FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2012 (ANNAPOLIS) — As the holiday season approaches, many dental offices channel their inner Martha Stewart to decorate, but the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) is reminding the oral healthcare community to play it safe.

"In our enthusiastic attempts to capture the holiday spirit, we cannot forget that fun shouldn't compromise infection prevention,” said Therese Long, OSAP executive director. "Bugs don't celebrate the holidays, and overzealous decorating can contribute to unintended disease transmission opportunities.”

Holiday décor should be limited to nonclinical areas. OSAP suggests decorating the reception area, waiting room, front windows and doors. Consider festive touches such as placing stickers on toothpaste samples and ordering special holiday scrubs if you chose to extend the celebration to clinical areas.

With many seasonal and religious holidays in the coming months, OSAP hopes this reminder will help the oral healthcare community to display holiday spirit while maintaining a safe, infection-free environment.

For the latest infection control information, guidelines and resources, visit www.OSAP.org.

About OSAP
The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention is the world's leading membership association exclusively dedicated to preventing disease transmission and ensuring the safe delivery of oral healthcare for all. As a non-profit organization, OSAP helps dental practitioners close the gap between policy and practice. Its members include dental and other healthcare professionals, consultants, researchers and non-governmental organizations, manufacturing and distribution companies, policy makers and academia. For more information, visit www.OSAP.org.