Written by: Karson L. Carpenter, DDS
Why infection control is about more than compliance. It’s about strategy, safety, and standing out.
With the new year right around the corner, dental practices across the country have an opportunity to revisit a critical question: Are we doing everything we can (and should) to protect our patients, our team, and our business?
In 2026, infection control is no longer a back-office compliance issue. It’s a front-line standard that defines trust, shapes reputation, and influences financial risk. And the landscape is changing—from post-COVID measures to new OSHA updates, patient expectations, and emerging regulations at state and national levels.
Now is the time to get ahead.
What’s Still in Place and What’s Fading
A recent survey by the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute revealed that nearly 94% of private dental practices adopted one or more enhanced infection control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of those precautions, including air purifiers and frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces, are still in use across most practices today.
But not everything stuck. Measures like patient temperature checks and pre-visit screenings have dropped. So where does that leave practices now?
Some may be doing more than they need to, while others may be doing less than what’s safe or compliant. Most are navigating a gray area shaped by workflow pressures, staffing challenges, and patient expectations.
Regulatory Shifts Dentists Must Know
If your protocols haven’t been updated since early 2023, you may be behind.
Here’s what’s changed:
- OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) was updated in mid-2024. New rules affect how practices handle chemical hazards—including labeling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), staff training, and container management. Full compliance is required by January 2026 for substances and July 2027 for mixtures.
- Antibiotic stewardship is now part of the conversation. Dentists account for roughly 10% of all outpatient antibiotic prescriptions. The ADA, CDC, and others are calling for better education on when (and when not) to prescribe.
- State-specific requirements are tightening. In California, for example, new laws require unlicensed dental assistants to complete a formal infection control course before working near blood or saliva. Other states are reviewing similar measures.
- Federal oversight may be shifting. With the CDC’s dental-focused division recently eliminated, groups like the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) are stepping up, but the regulatory future is still in flux.
Real-World Pressures Making Infection Control Harder
Even the most well-meaning practices struggle to maintain consistent, high-level infection control. Why?
- Staff turnover means newer employees may not know your systems or may not follow them properly.
- Training gaps lead to uneven understanding across roles. One slip-up can result in exposure, liability, or even legal action.
- Patient expectations are higher than ever. Many expect visible hygiene measures and transparency about what’s happening behind the scenes.
- Economic stress forces tough decisions. Cutting corners on PPE, sterilization cycles, or staff training may save dollars now but cost far more later.
Common Gaps That Put Practices at Risk
Even among practices that feel “pretty solid,” some high-risk gaps are surprisingly common:
- Outdated or missing chemical inventories and SDS binders
- Inconsistent or undocumented training protocols for new hires
- No clearly assigned Infection Control Coordinator (ICC)
- Weak oversight of sharps safety, eyewash stations, or waterline maintenance
- Exposure control plans that are either incomplete—or unknown to the team
Your Infection Control Checklist for 2026
Here’s what your team can do to help build a safer, stronger foundation:
✔ Audit your current protocols. What’s working? What’s outdated? What’s not being followed consistently?
✔ Update your Hazard Communication Program. Check labeling, chemical inventories, SDS accessibility, and staff knowledge.
✔ Designate an ICC. Ensure someone owns the infection control process, even if it’s just part of their role.
✔ Review your exposure control plan. Every team member should know what to do in case of a sharps injury or chemical exposure.
✔ Make safety visible to patients. Share infection control updates on your website, in the operatory, and in your team’s talking points.
The Tool Every Practice Needs
If this feels like a lot, that’s because it is. Infection control touches nearly every aspect of the practice. That’s why having a trusted, comprehensive resource matters.
Download the Guide to Infection Prevention and Control
Created in collaboration with infection control expert Dr. Karson Carpenter, this guide walks practices through the latest:
- OSHA and CDC best practices
- Hazard labeling and chemical safety
- Exposure response planning
- Staff training protocols
- Sharps prevention strategies
- Real-world recommendations for implementation
Click here to read more in the ebook.
Final Word: More Than Compliance—It’s a Commitment
Infection control isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s a reflection of how seriously you take patient safety, team wellness, and your professional reputation.
Let now be the time your practice not only meets the moment—but leads by example.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Karson L. Carpenter serves as President of Compliance Training Partners. He is an OSHA-approved trainer who has worked with Henry Schein for over 25 years, designing educational programs to bring dental facilities into compliance with the governmental regulations that affect them in the areas of OSHA, HIPAA and infection control. His experience includes guiding numerous clients across the U.S. through OSHA and HIPAA inspections, as well as the critical post-inspection process. Contact the company at 888-388-4782 or [email protected].
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Oscar M Sanchez/Shutterstock.com.
