Advancing a Culture of Safety: Highlights from the 2025 Association for Dental Safety Conference by Mark Aniello
“The 2025 ADS Conference was a powerful reminder that safety is not just a checklist item. It’s a mindset and a commitment. I left the event energized, informed, and better equipped to lead meaningful guidance to help improve dental practice safety culture.” - Mark Aniello, CEO of Effex
A Premier Gathering for Dental Safety Leadership
I recently had the privilege of attending the 2025 Association for Dental Safety (ADS) Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. Hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, the venue provided an ideal setting for reflection, collaboration, and learning. This year’s conference reinforced its reputation as the leading national event dedicated to infection control and workplace safety in dentistry.
Insightful Content, Practical Impact
From the opening workshop to the closing remarks, every session delivered a mix of visionary insight and hands-on strategies. The “Protecting People” pre-conference workshop set the tone by taking a holistic view of workplace safety—addressing not just physical hazards but also the behavioral and cultural dynamics that foster a resilient dental environment.
Particularly impactful were the sessions on mental health and workplace violence prevention, which offered real-world approaches to issues that are becoming increasingly central in today’s dental practices.
Key Takeaways from the Sessions
Topics covered a wide spectrum, including:
Best practices for sterilization and infection control
Effective hazard communication systems
Strategies to support mental wellness in dental teams
Navigating emerging regulatory requirements
Building a culture of accountability and safety leadership
Each session struck a balance between big-picture thinking and immediately actionable takeaways. Tools we can bring back to our own teams and implement with confidence.
Building Connections and a Community of Safety
Beyond the formal sessions, one of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity to connect with peers from across the country. The networking events fostered a strong sense of shared purpose and professional camaraderie among those who are often behind the scenes, quietly upholding the highest standards in dental care and safety.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
The 2025 ADS Conference reminded me that true safety in dental practice goes beyond compliance. It requires intentional leadership, continuous learning, and a team-wide commitment. I return from the event inspired and better equipped to support our clients and partners in building safer, stronger dental practices.
About the ADS Conference
The 2025 Association for Dental Safety Annual Conference brought together dental professionals, infection prevention specialists, and workplace safety leaders from across the country. Held at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, the event featured high-impact sessions on sterilization protocols, mental health, hazard communication, and regulatory updates. With its emphasis on practical application and evidence-based strategies, the conference offered invaluable insights and fostered a growing community dedicated to excellence in dental safety.
About Effex
At Effex, we’re committed to empowering dental practices with the tools, training, and technology needed to create safer, more compliant, and more efficient workplaces. As part of Effex, a leader in workplace safety innovation, our platform is designed specifically for the unique needs of dental professionals who are responsible for maintaining the highest standards of care.
We understand that dental safety is more than just compliance, it’s about protecting patients, preserving trust, and building a culture where every team member feels informed, equipped, and accountable. From infection prevention to regulatory documentation, our solutions are built to simplify complex safety requirements and turn them into everyday best practices.
Why Effex?
Smart Compliance Tools: Stay ahead of OSHA, CDC, and state dental board regulations with real-time updates and intuitive tracking.
Safety Training & Resources: Equip your team with modern, engaging training modules and guidance built by safety experts.
Culture-Driven Approach: Foster a proactive mindset around safety and quality through behavior-based insights and support.
Cloud-Based Convenience: Access your safety documentation, trainings, and checklists anywhere, anytime, with full transparency and ease.
Whether you're running a solo practice or managing a multi-site DSO, Effex is your trusted partner in building safer, smarter dental practices every day.
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