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

Dental Bytes eNewsletter – August 2026

The August 2026 issue of Dental Bytes covers a broad range of topics relevant to dental professionals — from foundational infection control protocols to new federal agency guidance on amalgam coverage, a significant FDA approval for over-the-counter pain relief, and new research linking oral hygiene to stroke risk reduction.

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

In This Issue

Infection Control: A Daily Commitment to Safe Dental Care

Infection prevention and control are among the most important responsibilities in every dental practice. Patients trust that their care will be delivered in a safe environment, and maintaining that trust requires every member of the dental team to consistently follow standard precautions and established infection control protocols.

Read more: Infection Control: A Daily Commitment to Safe Dental Care →

FDA Approves OTC Tylenol and Naproxen Combination for Pain Relief

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 24 approved the non-prescription combination dosage of 650 mg of Tylenol (acetaminophen) and 220 mg of naproxen sodium (NSAID) in a single pill for 12-hour pain relief. This nonprescription product is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, backache, muscular aches, toothache, menstrual cramps, and minor pain of arthritis in adults and children 12 years and older.

Read more: FDA Approves First Nonprescription Fixed-Dose Combination of Acetaminophen and Naproxen Sodium →

Study Shows Good Oral Hygiene May Reduce Stroke Risk

A population-based retrospective cohort study published July 4 in the Journal of Dentistry showed evidence that frequent toothbrushing combined with regular use of dental floss and interdental brushes was associated with a reduced risk of ischemic stroke. Promoting adjunctive oral hygiene practices could represent a simple, accessible, and population-based strategy for reducing ischemic stroke risk in older adults.

Read more: Oral Hygiene Practices and Ischemic Stroke Risk – Journal of Dentistry →

CDC Announces Decline in Healthcare-Associated Infections

On July 15, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data showing significant strides in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals across the United States. Despite this progress, HAIs remain a serious public health threat. An estimated 518,000 HAIs occurred in U.S. hospitals in 2023, costing billions of dollars and posing significant risks to American lives.

Read more: New CDC Data Shows Decline in Healthcare-Associated Infections →

CMS Calling on States to Restrict Amalgam Coverage

On July 22, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) sent an email to state Medicaid directors strongly urging them to restrict or end coverage for dental amalgam restorations. This guidance is not a legal requirement, and individual states are responsible for determining medical necessity criteria and making coverage decisions.

Read more: Trump Administration Encourages States to End Mercury-Containing Dental Fillings →

JADA Study Looks at State Dental Board Disciplinary Actions

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) examined the frequency, co-occurrence, and temporal patterns of dental disciplinary actions and penalties across multiple US states over 5 years. The study reviewed publicly available disciplinary records from 9 US state dental boards with complete data from 2017 through 2021.

Read more: State Dental Board Disciplinary Actions – JADA →

Quick Summary: Dental Compliance News — August 2026

  • Infection control remains a daily commitment — every team member must consistently follow standard precautions and established protocols.
  • The FDA approved a new OTC combination of 650 mg acetaminophen and 220 mg naproxen sodium for 12-hour pain relief, including toothache, in adults and children 12 and older.
  • A July 2026 Journal of Dentistry cohort study found that regular toothbrushing, flossing, and use of interdental brushes is associated with reduced ischemic stroke risk in older adults.
  • CDC reports a decline in healthcare-associated infections, though an estimated 518,000 HAIs still occurred in U.S. hospitals in 2023.
  • CMS urged state Medicaid directors to restrict dental amalgam coverage — not a legal mandate, but worth monitoring as states respond.
  • A JADA study reviewed disciplinary records from 9 state dental boards (2017–2021), examining patterns in actions and penalties across 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