OSHA Training Requirements

The mission of the US Department of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) is to ensure the protection of workers and prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths by setting and enforcing standards. Many OSHA standards include explicit safety and health training requirements to ensure that employees have the required skills and knowledge to safely do their work. These requirements reflect OSHA’s belief that training is an essential part of every employer’s safety and health program for protecting employees from injuries and illnesses.

Safety Training Topics

In general, the following safety training topics apply to dental healthcare personnel working in the dental setting:  bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, injury and illness prevention (which includes general office safety and emergency response), and radiation safety. Not all topics listed above will apply to all employees; training requirements depend on the potential hazards of a particular job and work environement. 

Training Frequency

OSHA requires training employees when hired; when assigned to new jobs; when a new process or material, which is potentially hazardous, is introduced to the workplace; and when a procedure is identified as hazardous. Annual refresher training may be required depending on the particular topic. For example, bloodborne pathogens training is required annually, but hazard communication training is only required initially upon employment and whenever a procedural change introduces a new chemical hazard.

Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has provided dental professionals with comprehensive programs to support regulatory compliance and infection control. We are a registered continuing education provider in the state of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and OSHA training.