Are Your OSHA and Infection Prevention Systems Up to Date—Or Just Handed Down?

Guests: Andrea Cook and Jackie DorstEpisode Overview:Orthodontic consultants Andrea Cook and Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, join host Alison Werner to explain how misinformation—and simple habit—can derail OSHA and infection-control compliance in an orthodontic practice. They outline the real-world risks (from six-figure fines to failure to attract great new hires), identify reliable sources for up-to-date guidance, and spell out who should own compliance in the office.Chapters:00:03 Why “hand-me-down” protocols put practices at risk04:40 Common misinformation hot spots (Facebook groups, vendor advice)10:50 Summer hires & the dangers of “just doing sterilization” without training12:30 Credible resources: AAO Staff Club & Ask ADS AI tool16:55 What the CDC Oral Health Division closure doesn’t change22:35 Top three compliance questions Andrea & Jackie hear most24:00 Dental unit water-line shocks & testing—new state rules in Florida and Georgia30:15 Financial penalties: $16,000 per OSHA infraction; up to $165k/day for willful violations38:20 Who should manage OSHA & infection prevention—and how to empower them42:00 How strong protocols help attract (and keep) quality team membersKey Takeaways:Misinformation is common—practices must rely on verified, non-commercial sources for OSHA and infection control guidance.Compliance impacts perception—patients and prospective staff notice when safety standards fall short.Outdated habits aren’t enough—what worked in a previous office may no longer meet today’s regulatory requirements.Leadership matters: The doctor sets the tone; a dedicated, well-trained coordinator enforces it.Resources Mentioned: 💠 AAO Staff Club (annual OSHA & infection-control CE): https://www2.aaoinfo.org/aao-for/staff/💠 Association for Dental Safety's Ask ADS site (a free AI beta for evidence-based answers): https://www.myads.org/ask-ads💠 CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Settings: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol💠 Andrea Cook’s OSHA Inspection & CDC Infection Prevention Compliance Checklists: https://www.andreacookconsulting.com/forms-downloadsGuest Bios and Contact Info:Andrea Cook is a clinical consultant specializing in OSHA compliance, infection-control protocols, and sterilization-room design. Also guides practices on clinical efficiency, workflow development, and technology adoption.🔗 Website & free checklists: andreacookconsulting.comJackie Dorst, RDH, BS, is a microbiologist and dental hygienist with 30+ years of lecturing and consulting on instrument sterilization, infection prevention, and OSHA safety. Frequent AAO speaker and contributor to Orthodontic Products.📧 [email protected] | 📱 +1 949-842-1747 | 🔗 https://jackiedorst.com/Connect & SubscribePodcast: Apple | Spotify | Google PodcastsYouTube: Like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for future episodes.VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubformINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email [email protected].