Be Prepared: Every Dental Office Must Have an Emergency Action Plan

Emergencies can happen without warning – fires, power outages, severe weather, or medical emergencies. Having a customized emergency action plan that addresses the types of emergencies most likely to be encountered in a dental office can lead to quicker mitigation and recovery. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has valuable online resources on being prepared during natural disasters.

For dental offices, where patient and staff safety are top priorities, having a plan in place is not just smart, it’s required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA). Under OSHA’s Emergency Action Plan Standard (29 CFR 1910.38), employers must develop and maintain a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to ensure that employees know how to respond quickly and safely in an emergency.

What Your Emergency Action Plan Should Include

A compliant EAP should describe:

• Means of reporting emergencies
• Response activities and supplies (based on the type of emergency)
• Evacuation procedures and exit routes
• Headcount procedures
• Names and contact information of responsible persons
• Training and drill procedures

Training and Practice

Every employee must be trained on the EAP when the plan is first developed, when new employees are hired, and whenever the plan changes. Regular emergency drills help ensure everyone knows what to do and can respond calmly in real situations.

Keep It Current

Review and update your EAP whenever there are changes to personnel, office layout, or potential hazards. Keep copies of the plan in accessible locations and if possible, post emergency numbers and exit maps where everyone can see them.

Why It Matters

Having a well-prepared Emergency Action Plan protects patients, staff, and your practice. It ensures compliance with federal OSHA standards while demonstrating your commitment to maintaining a safe, organized, and professional workplace.

For our OSHA Review subscribers… The November/December 2025 issue of OSHA Review in Section VII of your binder covers emergency response planning.

OSHA Review, Inc. a registered continuing education provider in the State of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and Cal/OSHA training. OSHA Review subscribers in California receive updated regulatory compliance and infection control training thorough our bi-monthly newsletter.