Episode 338: The dental assistant's role in patient safety

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, host Kevin Henry interviews Linda Harvey, a dental assistant advocate and patient safety champion. They discuss the important role of dental assistants in patient safety and the various hats they wear in the dental practice. They also delve into four types of medical errors in dentistry: communication, documentation, infection control, and medication safety. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication, thorough documentation, adherence to infection control protocols, and proper medication handling. The episode concludes with a discussion about the upcoming launch of DA Connect, a professional emphasis group for dental assistants by the Dental Compliance Institute. Reach Linda and learn more at [email protected] Podcast takeaways Dental assistants play a crucial role in patient safety and wear many hats in the dental practice. Clear communication and thorough documentation are essential for effective patient care. Adherence to infection control protocols and proper medication handling are critical for patient safety.