The January 2026 Dental Bytes newsletter highlights infection control best practices, ADA dental economy updates, HIPAA enforcement actions, and seasonal preparedness tips for dental professionals.
Dental Bytes – February 2026
Dental Bytes – February 2026
Welcome to the February 2026 edition of Dental Bytes from OSHA Review, Inc. See our other issues for more information. Below are highlights and resources relevant to dental infection control, patient safety, oral health education, and developments affecting the dental profession.
Why Biological Monitoring Matters in Dental Offices
Effective sterilization is essential to protecting patients and staff in the dental setting. Biological monitoring, or spore testing, is the most reliable way to confirm that sterilization equipment is working properly. When resistant spores are destroyed during a sterilization cycle, it is assumed that all other microorganisms have been eliminated.
The CDC and the American Dental Association recommend weekly spore testing, and many state dental boards require it. While mechanical and chemical indicators show that a sterilizer has run and reached certain conditions, biological indicators confirm that true sterilization has occurred.
If a spore test is positive, common causes may include overloading the chamber, improper packaging, or incorrect cycle settings. Reviewing procedures and retesting promptly can help determine whether the issue is procedural or equipment-related.
Read more: Why Biological Monitoring Matters in Dental Offices
ADA: Dental Imaging Should Be Used in Moderation
New ADA recommendations reinforce that dental imaging should be prescribed only when clinically necessary. This patient-centered approach helps minimize unnecessary radiation exposure while supporting appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning.
CDC FluView: Monitor Seasonal Influenza Activity
The CDC’s FluView remains a useful public health resource for tracking influenza activity in the United States. Dental offices may find this especially helpful during respiratory illness season when reviewing infection prevention practices and patient communication protocols.
Study Spotlight: Gamified Oral Health Education for Children
A recent randomized controlled trial evaluated a gamified oral health promotion app called Happy Teeth. The study explored whether digital, game-based education could improve oral health knowledge, behaviors, and clinical outcomes among school-aged children compared with traditional education alone.
Michigan Licenses Its First Dental Therapist
Michigan has licensed its first dental therapist as part of a broader effort to expand access to care and address workforce shortages. According to the state, dental therapists can help improve access in underserved communities by providing routine dental services under a dentist’s supervision.
Read the Michigan announcement
February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month
The ADA continues to offer free resources for National Children’s Dental Health Month, including posters, activity materials, and a brushing calendar. These tools can help dental teams, schools, and parents promote healthy habits and preventive care throughout the year.
About OSHA Review, Inc.
Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has supported dental professionals with programs focused on regulatory compliance, infection control, and continuing education. OSHA Review also provides sterilizer monitoring services nationwide through the Spore Check System.
For more information, visit oshareview.com or call 800-555-6248.
This post is part of our Dental Bytes eNewsletter 2026, covering dental regulatory compliance, infection control, and industry insights.
👉 Visit the Dental Bytes 2026 hub to access all monthly updates.
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