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Part 1 of 3 By Patricia Pine, RDH, Infection Prevention Consultant and Founder, OSHA Training Boot Camp n When it comes to optimizing infec- tion control in dentistry, we as dental professionals must always change with the times. Old ways of thinking must go the way of dinosaurs, and we must ramp up our efforts as infection prevention practitioners. Back in the day Many of us, myself included, have experiencethatdatesbacktothedays beforepersonalprotectiveequipment was used, when gloves were worn only during surgical procedures, and masks, if worn at all, were worn all day and with all patients. Protective gowns were the exception not the rule. We also believed, back in the day, that cold sterilization actually sterilized instruments. Like Bob Dylan sang, however, “The times they are a-changin’,” and one thing is certain: We do ourselves andourpatientsadisservicewhenwe remain entrenched in the past. New safety hazards continue to emerge,butthankfully,newtechnolo- gies are keeping pace. Stoma Dental, for example, has responded to such infection-control demands by mak- ing dental treatments safer for both the team and our patients with the introduction this month of a new dis- posable backflow prevention valve. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, research demonstrates that suc- tion valve backflow is a significant risk factor for microbial cross- contamination between patients. New single-use backflow prevention valve now available Stroma’s new disposable saliva ejec- tor, DOVE® Backflow Prevention Valve, is a one-way valve that pre- vents backflow and eliminates cross- contamination between patients. The DOVE system adapts to a wide range of single-use tips and includes tail- caps to reduce noise and also bacte- rial aerosols between DOVE valve replacements. Don’t get stuck Change is inevitable in life and in our professional practice, and it is essential if we are to ensure that no one is harmed by a preventable infec- tion. We must welcome change as an opportunity to reduce harm and improve care. exhibitors24 Chicago Midwinter — February 25, 2016 The only constant is change Ad 5 Stoma Dental introduces its new disposable SE DOVE valve with backflow prevention. (Photo/Provided by Stoma Dental) Here in Chicago For more information or to place an order for the DOVE Backflow Pre- vention Valve, visit www.stomadental. com, call (855) 800-DOVE, email sales@ stomadental.com or stop by the booth, No. 5234, here in Chicago. For Part 2 of PatriciaPine’sarticle,besuretopickup the Friday edition of today. 5 Patricia Pine, RDH