https://youtu.be/yFdg1JGjgq8?si=TT0Qhm1ei4vHbPuq Welcome back to another engaging episode of the Jameson Files! Today we dive deep into the world of dental practice compliance and infection control with expert, Tia Hunter. Join us as we explore practical steps to ensure that your practice is not only compliant but also operates seamlessly. Meet Tia Hunter: Your Infection Control Expert For those unfamiliar with Tia, you're in for a treat. With an impressive background as a speaker, educator, and trainer in the dental industry, Tia focuses on infection control and has a deep-seated passion for aiding dental assistants across the nation. Her work is pivotal in helping practices maintain compliance and improve their operational standards through customized infection control solutions. Understanding the Compliance Landscape Tia emphasizes the importance of avoiding complacency in dental practice management. Many practices often overlook tasks like documentation, resulting in potential compliance issues. She highlights the necessity of thorough documentation—not just for patient chart notes but also for areas like OSHA, HIPAA, and equipment maintenance. Alarmingly, more than 50% of practices neglect proper documentation of Hepatitis B vaccinations, which should be completed within ten days of hiring clinical personnel. Steps to Improve Practice Compliance Consistent documentation and maintaining a well-organized compliance system can protect your practice from potential compliance breaches. Tia advocates for actions such as appointing staff members to manage specific areas like OSHA, infection control, and HIPAA compliance. This delegation reduces pressure on single individuals and ensures thorough, consistent attention to critical details. Utilizing SOPs and Compliance Calendars Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and a compliance calendar are invaluable tools. Tia assists practices in creating these resources, ensuring that tasks like routine equipment checks and waterline testing are performed timely. To ease the burden further, her digital compliance calendar helps practices track key compliance tasks systematically. Addressing Common Compliance Myths Tia dismisses common misconceptions about generic online OSHA and HIPAA training, emphasizing the necessity of practice-specific training. Accessibility to a knowledgeable trainer for clarifying doubts is crucial. For ongoing support, consider more interactive learning tools that offer customized solutions for your practice. The Role of Culture and Onboarding Effective onboarding not only meets compliance requirements but also integrates new employees into the practice culture. A robust onboarding process ensures staff members understand what's expected and how their roles contribute to the success and compliance of the practice. Take Your Practice to the Next Level Collab Con is an exciting upcoming event offering practices the opportunity to enhance their learning curve. Scheduled for November 14th and 15th in Nashville, this conference gathers dental professionals from various specialties to collaborate and drive forward practice improvements in a unified manner. Concluding Thoughts The journey from good to great—and then to better—involves intentional commitment to compliance and practice growth. Start by designating responsibilities, invest in customized training resources, and continuously engage in professional development opportunities, such as Tia's upcoming Collab Con event. Reach Out to Tia Hunter For those ready to elevate their practice's compliance journey, Tia Hunter offers an array of resources. You can contact her at TiaCoaches@gmail.com and explore her extensive expertise. Thank you for joining this insightful episode of the Jameson Files. Let’s stay connected, share these vital insights, and work toward an enhanced, compliant practice together. Until next time, be well and take care!