Marie Fluent, DDS

Consultant, Speaker, Educator

Dr. Fluent is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Her dental career spans 35 years and includes roles as dentist, both as an associate and practice owner, infection control coordinator, office manager and dental assistant. Additionally, she has extensive experience and expertise as a clinical instructor, educator, speaker, author, and consultant.

Dr. Fluent is passionate and deeply committed to improving dental infection control and patient safety. Through her writing, webinars, and invited lectures, she has educated thousands of dental professionals and students nationally and internationally. Dr. Fluent has written numerous articles on infection control in the dental setting, OSHA compliance and responsible antibiotic prescribing. She serves as Education Consultant for the Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention (OSAP).

Professional Services

I would welcome the opportunity to partner with you in developing a personalized plan of service to meet you or your organization’s unique needs through any of the services I provide.

Continuing education programs

Continuing Education programs for dental associations, component groups, study clubs, dental schools to include:

Annual OSHA Training that is a required by Federal OSHA. This training may be within individual office settings, multiple practices or as formal presentation.
Infection Control workshop. In this interactive presentation, infection control supplies and products will be demonstrated and discussed. Much time for audience interaction, discussion and Q&A is allotted!
Infection Control Update. This presentation will highlight updated information from the recent CDC publication, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings and the scientific background behind infection control regulations will be emphasized.
Top 10 OSHA Citations and how to prevent them! This course discusses the most commonly cited OSHA violations and provides valuable information on the regulatory requirements and offers practical suggestions on how the dental team can work together to ensure a mutually safe work environment for employees and patients.
Antibiotic Resistance in Dentistry. This hot topic presentation will address how antibiotic resistance occurs and the crucial need for a proper antibiotic stewardship program in dentistry.
Emerging Infectious Diseases for dental health care professionals. In this course, examples of emerging diseases will be presented including viruses, antibiotic resistant and other bacteria that impact the delivery of oral health care.
Instrument Processing Update. This course will describe the steps involved in cleaning, packaging, sterilizer loading and storage practices that are essential to ensure that instruments are safe for reuse.
Dental Unit Waterline Update. This presentation will describe the nature and health implications of microbial biofilm formation in dental equipment and discuss current methods for remediation.

Consultation: Compliance assessment and/or mock inspection of YOUR dental practice

This consultation may be one-on-one with your infection control coordinator, the owner/dentist, or the entire dental team to help ensure compliance and identify areas that necessitate further education and training. This consultation may include:

Annual OSHA Training that is a required by Federal OSHA.
Mock inspection of your dental facility. Areas of the dental practice would be observed and evaluated to include: reception room, patient care areas, personal protective equipment, infection control products and supplies, sterilization center, office manuals, waste storage area, hazard communication program and office manuals. The inspection will be followed by discussion and action items for dental team members.
Presentation on CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in the Dental Setting and a discussion involving the infection control policies and practices within the facility.

Individualized education and/or training session

Memberships & Certifications

Professional Memberships:

American Dental Association
Chicago Dental Society
Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention (OSAP)
Michigan Dental Association
Washtenaw District Dental Association

Licensure and Certification

Michigan Board of Dentistry
Marie is also a CE provider through the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Learn more about Dr. Marie Fluent’s expertise