CDC Hepatitis B Vaccination Guidance Shifts – No Change for Dental Offices

In late 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made a major change to its hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination guidance, ending the long-standing recommendation that all infants receive the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Under the new guidance, the birth dose is recommended only for newborns whose mothers are hepatitis B positive or whose status is unknown, while for infants of hepatitis B–negative mothers, vaccination timing is now left to shared decision-making between parents and healthcare providers. This marks a significant departure from decades of universal infant immunization policy.

This shift has sparked discussions within the public health community about potential impacts on hepatitis B incidence. However, these changes to CDC’s recommended childhood immunization schedule do not alter workplace vaccination requirements that protect healthcare personnel, including dental staff.

For dental offices, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard still stands. Under OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.1030), employers must offer the hepatitis B vaccination series to all employees who have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) within 10 working days of initial assignment to duties where exposure risk exists. The vaccine must be provided at no cost to the employee and employers must provide information on vaccine safety, efficacy, administration, and benefits. Employees who decline must sign a written declination form, and if they later decide to accept it, the employer must make it available.

Why this matters in dental settings: Dental healthcare personnel routinely work in an environment where exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials can occur during procedures. OSHA defines this as “occupational exposure,” and dental employers are required to:

• Identify job roles with potential exposure risks (e.g., dentists, hygienists, assistants).
• Offer the complete hepatitis B vaccine series and serological testing free of charge within 10 days of hire.
• Maintain appropriate documentation (offers and declinations).
• Provide training about bloodborne pathogens and preventive measures.

Even if a new CDC policy reduces or changes recommendations for hepatitis B vaccination in the general population (such as newborns), the OSHA mandate for occupational health remains unchanged – dental practices must continue to offer hepatitis B vaccination to new employees at risk of exposure. Compliance not only fulfills federal regulatory obligations but also helps protect staff and patients from hepatitis B infection.

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.