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Dental Bytes September 2026 roundup cover graphic listing antibiotic stewardship, patient safety, infection control, small-business regulatory relief, opioid prescribing research, and mental health

Dental Bytes – September 2026 | Full Newsletter Roundup

The September 2026 issue of Dental Bytes covers updated federal guidance on antibiotic prescribing, two September observances focused on infection prevention and patient safety, regulatory relief for small dental practices, new research on dental opioid prescribing, and a reminder about mental health in the dental profession.

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

In This Issue

CDC Releases Updated Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship Guidance

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released the updated Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship Programs, which builds on the original 2016 guidance to reflect new evidence and changes in US healthcare delivery. Improving antibiotic prescribing is critical to effectively treat infections, protect patients from harm caused by inappropriate antibiotic use, and combat antimicrobial resistance.

Read more: Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship – CDC →

September is Dental Infection Control Awareness Month

Sponsored by the Association for Dental Safety (ADS), this year’s theme for Dental Infection Control Awareness Month is “Safety Starts with Every Step”, which spotlights the small, consistent actions that strengthen infection prevention and control across dentistry. The ADS has created a toolkit to help dental healthcare personnel showcase their established infection control and safety practices and demonstrate their commitment to keeping patients safe.

Read more: Dental Infection Control Awareness Month – Association for Dental Safety →

World Patient Safety Day is September 17th

September 17th is World Patient Safety Day, sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO). World Patient Safety Day 2026 focuses on safe care for noncommunicable diseases, under the slogan ‘Safe care for life!’. Noncommunicable diseases affect billions of people and account for 74% of deaths worldwide. Strengthening primary healthcare, supporting healthcare workers, and addressing barriers that affect access to safe care are key to reducing harm.

Read more: World Patient Safety Day – World Health Organization →

FinCEN Ends Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements for US Small Businesses

On August 11, 2026, the US Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) removed the requirement for US small businesses to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act. Dental practices in the US that employ fewer than 20 employees or produce less than $5 million in annual gross receipts are exempt from the BOI requirement.

Read more: FinCEN Permanently Ends Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements →

Research Review: Dental Opioid Prescribing is a Key Pathway to OUD

A research review study published August 9, 2026, in Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports reviewed the existing epidemiological literature on dental opioid prescriptions and the development of opioid use disorder (OUD). The review showed that though dentistry has curbed its opioid prescribing in recent years, even limited exposure to opioids may be a considerable risk for developing OUD.

Read more: Dental Opioid Prescribing and OUD – Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports →

Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health: A Reminder for Dentists

Dentistry is rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Long hours, time pressures, patient anxiety, perfectionism, financial and operational responsibilities, and the physical demands of clinical care can all contribute to chronic stress. Over time, unmanaged stress can affect not only the dentist’s well-being, but also patient care and the entire dental team.

Read more: Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health: A Reminder for Dentists →

Quick Summary: Dental Compliance News — September 2026

  • CDC updated its Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship Programs, refreshing the 2016 guidance to reflect new evidence and changes in US healthcare delivery.
  • September is Dental Infection Control Awareness Month; the Association for Dental Safety’s 2026 theme is “Safety Starts with Every Step,” supported by a free toolkit.
  • World Patient Safety Day falls on September 17, with a WHO focus on safe care for noncommunicable diseases.
  • FinCEN removed beneficial ownership information reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act; practices under 20 employees or $5 million in gross receipts are exempt.
  • A review in Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports found that even limited opioid exposure from dental prescribing may carry considerable risk of opioid use disorder.
  • Chronic stress and burnout affect dentists and their teams — know the warning signs and where to find confidential support.

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.

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