April 3, 2015 (St. Paul, MN) – Patterson Dental announced an increased commitment to the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), by becoming a Super Sponsor. Super Sponsors are corporate members who serve as strategic partners in OSAP’s infection control mission and messaging.

“We look forward to expanding our partnership with OSAP through important collaborative initiatives that enhance the well-being of others,” said Patterson Companies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Scott P. Anderson. “We believe that every patient is entitled to a safe dental visit, and OSAP’s role in advocating for the safety of patients and dental teams is a purpose that Patterson Dental is very proud to support.”

One industry-wide initiative making an impact currently is OSAP’s The Safest Dental Visit™, which promotes a greater commitment to infection control and safety in dentistry. This multi-faceted educational program also helps patients better understand the measures dental providers are taking to ensure their safety.              

“We are honored that Patterson Dental has increased its commitment to OSAP and its mission by becoming a new Super Sponsor,” said Dr. John O’Keefe, OSAP Chairman of the Board. “Patterson is a valued partner in our shared vision of safe dental care for people everywhere.”

Annapolis, MD:April 1, 2015-The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), the advocate for The Safest Dental Visit™, has announced the program for the 2015 OSAP Symposium: “Gain the Edge on Infection Control.” The annual OSAP Symposium is the premier infection control education and networking event in the dental industry. Nationally and internationally known authorities discuss current and emerging issues relating to infection prevention and safety in oral healthcare settings, and provide attendees with essential resources, valuable tools, and new approaches for better protecting patients and staff.

Experts from leading research and educational facilities, government agencies, industry, and clinical practice will lead workshops, give talks, and provide hands-on exercises for attendees. To view the program or register for the Symposium, which will be held in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 28-30, 2015, go to www.osap.org.

The 2015 Symposium will open with a welcome from Katherine Weno, DDS, JD, Director of the Division of Oral Health at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She will provide an update on the strategic direction for that CDC division. This year’s Dr. John S. Zapp Memorial Lecture will be given by L. Clifford McDonald, MD, FACP, FSHEA, the Chief of the Prevention and Response Branch in the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion at the CDC. He will discuss the challenges of emerging and re-emerging diseases, Clostridium difficile, and antibiotic resistance. Other highlights include a global HIV update; a review of the Dental Patient Safety Initiative; new information on cleaning and sterilization of instruments, waterlines, and handpieces; special interest group breakout sessions, and a presentation on what you should know about post-exposure management.

The OSAP Symposium provides a unique opportunity to mingle with and learn from the leading authorities in the critical and rapidly changing field of infection prevention and safety in oral healthcare. Attendees have their choice of in-depth lectures, interactive learning sessions, and tightly focused programs designed for specific specialists such as educators and consultants. The top companies in infection prevention and safety exhibit both time-tested and new products, and attendees have the opportunity to learn about important aspects of the products and take home valuable information on how the products can help them maintain a safe environment for dental staff and patients.

The OSAP Symposium is targeted to educators, infection control coordinators, consultants, compliance officers, risk managers, researchers, policy makers, sterilization technicians, and others in dental clinics, private practices, large group practices, hospitals, universities, government facilities,          and companies that manufacture or sell infection control products and services. The breadth and depth of the educational programs offered assures that attendees at every level, from student to expert, will expand their knowledge base and make important contacts.

Symposium attendees can also choose from a number of optional leisure activities during the 3-day event. These include dining options, tours, and the popular OSAP auction. The Baltimore location offers a wealth of historical, cultural, and culinary delights, and provides many choices for family members accompanying attendees.

Call 800- 298-OSAP (6727) or 410-571-0003 or visit www.osap.org for additional information.

Celebrating over 30 years of service to the worldwide dental community, OSAP is a growing community of clinicians, educators, students, policy-makers, and industry representatives who advocate for safe and infection-free deliveryof oral healthcare. OSAP focuses on strategies to improve compliance with safe practices and on building a strong network of recognized infection control experts. OSAP offers an extensive online collection of resources, publications, FAQs, checklists and toolkits to help dental professionals ensure that every visit is The Safest Dental Visit™ for patients and the dental team.     .