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OSAP releases updated, digital version of “If Saliva Were Red”

Jan. 24, 2023
After years in the making, OSAP has released a digital, freely accessible update to its famous 2002 "If Saliva Were Red" video. Learn more.
Amelia Williamson DeStefano, Group Editorial Director

Most dental professionals have seen OSAP’s famous “If Saliva Were Red” video demonstrating how easily an operatory can become contaminated during common procedures. But the video was originally filmed in 2002 and for years, was only officially accessible through purchasing a DVD.

At their annual Dental Infection Control Boot Camp on Monday, January 23, OSAP premiered the updated and revamped version of their video, shot for a modern audience and—critically—now freely accessible on OSAP’s website.

“Produced without a voice track, the video uses visual rather than verbal cues to stress the need for procedure-specific dental infection control, making it a suitable training tool for classrooms and practices around the world, regardless of native language,” says OSAP.

OSAP also developed a facilitator’s guide to help facilitators, educators, consultants, and others “tell the story” of what’s being shown in the video. The guide includes important resources and a checklist of the elements of a comprehensive infection control training program. The organization is currently translating the document into Spanish.

You might also be interested in: Ask OSAP: Does jewelry cause cross-contamination?

The video and guide are freely accessible; anyone who wants to access them just needs to fill out a brief form.

“We are thrilled to finally release this video to the oral healthcare community after years in the making. It is one of the most impactful visuals to facilitate a discussion about cross-contamination and appropriate mitigation strategies,” said Michelle Lee, OSAP’s director.

“The creation and development of the video was possible with the dedication and expertise of our infection prevention experts, including Eve Cuny, MS, CDIPC, Kathy J. Eklund, RDH, MHP, Karen Gregory, RDH, CDIPC, Michele L. Lash, RDH, BA, Shannon Mills, DDS, and Michele Neuburger, DDS, MPH,” she said. “We hope this video is widely shared among the oral health care community to help ensure every dental visit is a safe visit.”

Educational funding for the updated video and facilitator's guide was provided by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.

Watch the video and download the faciliator guide at OSAP’s website.