OSHA Review toll free phone number 800-555-6248
Blog

DENTAL BYTES – JUNE 2026 | FULL NEWSLETTER ROUNDUP

The June 2026 issue of Dental Bytes brings important dental compliance news for dental practices nationwide. This month’s featured topics include a critical infection control reminder from a recent public health notification, new ADA proposed standards open for comment, FDA action on flavored e-cigarettes, and updates on Delta Dental litigation and the 2026 oral health report.

This post is part of our Dental Bytes eNewsletter 2026 hub, where you can access each monthly issue.

In This Issue

Infection Control Failures Serve as a Critical Reminder for Dental Practices

A recent public health notification involving a Philadelphia dental practice underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous infection control standards in every dental office. In May 2026, the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health advised patients to contact their healthcare providers regarding testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV after state regulators identified unsanitary practices at the clinic and temporarily suspended the dentist’s license.

Concerns included the reuse of items intended for single-patient use and other infection control deficiencies that could potentially allow cross-contamination between patients. Health officials emphasized that the risk of infection is believed to be low and that no infections have been linked to the practice; however, the clinic was closed pending corrective action, and patients who received treatment between April 2025 and May 2026 were notified.

Dental practices should use incidents like this as an opportunity to review infection control protocols, verify compliance with CDC guidelines and individual state requirements, ensure staff receive ongoing training, and regularly monitor sterilization and instrument-processing procedures.

Read more: Infection Control Failures: Full Compliance Checklist for Dental Practices →

Request for Comments: New ADA Standards on Dental Cartridges and Water Quality

The American Dental Association (ADA) released two proposed standards available for public review and comment through its Standards Program. The first proposed standard covers single-use dental cartridges for local anesthetics. The second addresses microbiological quality of dental procedural water—specifically, requirements for manufacturers.

Comments on both proposed standards are due by June 10, 2026. Dental practices and dental product manufacturers with interest in either standard are encouraged to review the proposals and submit feedback through the ADA Standards Program.

Dental water quality has been an ongoing area of focus for regulators and professional associations, as waterline contamination can present infection control risks if not properly managed. These proposed standards represent an effort to establish clearer manufacturing and performance requirements.

FDA Authorizes Sale of Flavored E-Cigarettes to Adults

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the sale and marketing of the first non-tobacco, non-menthol flavored e-cigarettes. The authorized products include fruit flavors such as mango and blueberry from the brand Glas. These products incorporate device-level restrictions—including age and identity verification and smartphone pairing—designed to prevent access by minors.

For dental practices, the expanded availability of flavored e-cigarettes is relevant to patient health conversations. Dental teams should continue to screen patients for tobacco and nicotine product use, including e-cigarettes, as part of comprehensive oral health assessments. E-cigarette use has been associated with oral health risks including dry mouth, gum inflammation, and potential effects on healing after dental procedures.

Delta Dental Releases Its 2026 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report

Delta Dental released its 2026 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report, a nationwide analysis of consumer opinions and behaviors relating to oral health. The survey of 2,000 respondents found that 91% of adults consider oral health a key part of overall well-being.

The report also reflects increasing public awareness of oral-systemic connections—specifically the links between oral health and chronic conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and dementia. These findings reinforce the importance of dental practices emphasizing the whole-health value of preventive dental care when communicating with patients.

For dental practices, this report provides useful context for patient education and marketing: patients are increasingly receptive to conversations that connect oral health to their broader health outcomes.

June 15 Is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed annually on June 15, is a global call to recognize and address elder abuse as both a human rights violation and a growing policy challenge in aging societies. Elder abuse remains widely under-recognized and under-reported, and can take many forms—including physical, psychological, and financial abuse, as well as neglect.

Dental professionals are in a unique position to observe signs of elder abuse or neglect during routine patient care. Dental teams should be familiar with their state’s mandatory reporting requirements for suspected elder abuse. Unless both healthcare and social service sectors are equipped to identify and respond to elder abuse, it will continue to be underdiagnosed and overlooked. Awareness days like June 15 are an opportunity to review your practice’s protocols for identifying and reporting vulnerable patient situations.

ADA News: Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Delta Dental in 4 States

According to ADA News, on April 30, 2026, dental providers filed new class action lawsuits in California, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Massachusetts against the Delta Dental entities operating in those states. The cases seek statewide class relief under state antitrust and unfair business practices laws.

The new state filings follow a federal court’s September 2025 decision to deny certification of a nationwide class in the original federal antitrust case. Dental providers who have concerns about how these cases may affect their practice should consult with legal counsel or monitor updates through the ADA and their state dental association.

Quick Summary: Dental Compliance News — June 2026

  • A Philadelphia dental practice infection control breach resulted in patient notifications and a license suspension — review your protocols.
  • ADA is accepting public comments on proposed standards for dental cartridges and water quality through June 10.
  • FDA authorized the first flavored e-cigarettes; dental teams should continue e-cigarette screening in patient assessments.
  • 91% of U.S. adults link oral health to overall well-being, per Delta Dental’s 2026 report.
  • June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day — know your state’s mandatory reporting requirements.
  • New class action lawsuits have been filed against Delta Dental entities in four states.

Related OSHA Review Resources

About OSHA Review, Inc.

Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has supported dental professionals with regulatory compliance resources, infection control guidance, continuing education, sterilizer monitoring, surface disinfectant products, and dosimetry monitoring services. For more information, visit oshareview.com or call 800-555-6248.

This post is part of the Dental Bytes eNewsletter 2026 series. Visit the hub to access all monthly updates.

Morgan Lawson is the Chief Operations Officer and Managing Editor at OSHA Review, Inc., where he has led dental compliance education and operations since 1999. With over 25 years of experience in OSHA regulations, infection control standards, and dental practice compliance, Morgan oversees the development of content, training programs, and compliance resources trusted by dental practices nationwide.

Related Posts

Back To Top
Search