Employers’ Obligation to Keep Dental Teams Safe

Dental employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace. Under requirements enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), dental practice owners must protect employees from recognized workplace hazards and maintain compliance with federal and California safety regulations. In a dental office setting, this includes:

• Implementing and maintaining a Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Exposure Control Plan and following proper dental infection control procedures.

• Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and required vaccinations, including hepatitis B immunization for showing compliance with OSHA dental standards.

• Conducting required OSHA safety training such as Bloodborne Pathogens training and Hazard Communication (HazCom) training for dental staff.

• Ensuring dental equipment is inspected, maintained, and used according to safety guidelines.

• Following chemical safety requirements, including maintaining accessible and up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for all regulated products.

• Taking reasonable steps to reduce and prevent workplace violence risks within the dental practice environment.

Employee safety is not optional — it is both a legal requirement under OSHA regulations and a critical part of operating a responsible, compliant, and successful dental practice.

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.