Behind the Scenes, Ahead of the Curve: Sterilization & OSHA

Let’s be honest, when most people picture the future of orthodontics, they’re not dreaming about OSHA protocols or inventory bins. But if you ask Andrea Cook, a clinical systems consultant with decades of boots-on-the-ground experience, that’s where the real magic happens.

In a recent episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, hosted by our very own Jill Allen, Andrea pulls back the curtain on what’s really moving the needle for practices in 2025: smarter systems, clearer communication, and a little less chaos in the back.

Tech Is Only as Smart as Your Team Is Trained

Yes, digital tools are everywhere, and yes, they can make life easier. But only if your team actually knows how to use them. Andrea’s advice? Stop treating training like an afterthought. Schedule it into the workday. Protect that time. Give your team the breathing room to learn before they’re expected to sprint.

Otherwise, you're asking for missed scans, frustrated staff, and a whole lot of “We’ll figure it out later.” Spoiler alert: later never comes.

Sterilization & OSHA: Unsexy, But Unskippable

Let’s not sugarcoat it... Compliance doesn’t get applause. But if you’re not prioritizing sterilization systems and OSHA protocols from day one (or day one of your ownership), you’re setting yourself up for a mess. Literally.

Andrea recommends using practice transitions as a chance to take stock. Do a full assessment of your current systems. Are they efficient? Are they even compliant? Build your backbone now so you’re not scrambling after a surprise inspection.

Inventory: Fewer Vendors, Fewer Headaches

Chasing the lowest price might feel like a win until your supply closet looks like a clearance aisle. Andrea encourages practices to simplify. Find a few trusted vendors. Standardize where you can. You’ll save time, reduce waste, and probably free up a shelf or two in the process.

Your Team Is Talking. Are You Listening?

Clinical systems don’t work without the humans running them. Andrea emphasizes the importance of regular performance check-ins that go beyond productivity. Ask your team what’s working, what’s not, and what they need to succeed. When doctors create space for real conversations, teams feel seen and solutions come faster.

The Bottom Line

The best-run practices aren’t just the ones with the latest scanner or sleekest lobby. They’re the ones that have systems for training, compliance, inventory, and team development that keep things moving when it gets busy (which, let’s be honest, is always).

If you’re tired of reinventing the wheel, start with what Andrea calls the “unsexy essentials.” Because when the behind-the-scenes runs smooth, the front-of-house shines.

Ready to dive deeper? Tune in to the full episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast for more pearls from Andrea Cook.