Ebola Resources For Your Practice

Over the past few months, we’ve all watched as the Ebola situation has continued to evolve, with the US encountering its first diagnosed case on September 30^th. As we learn more about this virus, its symptoms, and the way it’s spread, many of us have questions and concerns. It is important that healthcare workers – including those in the dental industry – arm themselves with tools and knowledge to help prevent the spread of Ebola. While it is unlikely many dental offices will encounter the virus, it never hurts to be prepared to address any transmissible diseases. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of resources we think will help educate you, your practice, and your patients.

Ebola Toolkit from the Organization for Sterilization, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP)

OSAP has created a great informational toolkit with information about the recent history and spread of Ebola in the US. They’ve compiled regulations and guidelines from organizations like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), and have created some best practices for the situation at hand.

American Dental Association (ADA) Ebola Resources

The ADA, along with the CDC and OSAP, is committed to keeping dental professionals up-to-date on the latest information regarding this evolving issue. They’ve pulled together a list of common symptoms to be aware of, and information about the spread of the disease.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Ebola Update

The CDC has a very comprehensive overview of the virus, including outbreak history, risk of exposure information, and information for healthcare workers. Of particular interest is the Health Care Provider Preparedness Checklist for Ebola Virus Disease. The 2-page document has good information about how health care providers can prepare, should they encounter someone with the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

While these resources are heavily geared toward Ebola virus preparedness, much of the information can also be applied to other, more common illnesses like Influenza. It’s important to review infection prevention procedures and policies in your practice to help keep employees and patients healthy and safe.

If there are other resources that you’ve found to be helpful, share them in the comments below.

About Post Author

Mike Smurr

Mike Smurr is the <a href="https://www.pattersondental.com/">Patterson Dental</a> Director of Marketing, Merchandise. Mike began his career with Patterson in 2000, as Milwaukee Branch manager, and held that position until December 2008. During this time, the branch earned Branch of the Year honors twice (fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2003), as well as the Chuck Lottes Award in fiscal 2004 for largest dollar increase in net income over prior year. Mike began his dental career in 1982 as a territory manager for Columbus Dental, serving northern Illinois and Wisconsin. In 1986, he became a marketing manager with Columbus Dental, and was instrumental in transitioning product lines when the company was purchased by Bayer Dental (now Heraeus). From 1989-1990 Mike worked in Germany with the International Marketing team of Bayer Dental. Upon returning to the U.S., he held positions of increasing responsibility, from key account manager to national sales manager. In 1998, Mike became the dental marketing director for Banta Healthcare Products (now TIDI Products), where he advanced to vice president of sales and marketing, responsible for the dental, medical and foodservice business. In his current role as Director of Marketing, Merchandise, Mike is responsible for the marketing interactions between Patterson Dental and the over 800 manufacturers with whom Patterson works. This includes marketing communications, product submissions, promotional and introductory product campaigns and private label business.