As we are in the midst of flu season, dental offices play a crucial role in preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses. Given the close-contact nature of dental procedures, implementing infection control measures is essential. One simple yet effective step…
As the COVID-19 is now in an endemic phase, most of Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Non-Emergency Regulation has expired as of February 3, 2025, affecting infection control, workplace safety, and patient care policies. The reporting and recordkeeping requirements remain in effect until…
Cybersecurity threats, such as phishing emails, ransomware attacks, and data breaches, are increasing in the healthcare industry, including dental practices. Regular cybersecurity training and risk analyses are essential, and required under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to…
Dental healthcare personnel should follow the manufacturers’ instructions for packaging patient-care items. This includes following instructions for the item(s) being sterilized, the packaging, and any sterilization equipment being used. Refer to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)…
With the end of the year drawing near, as we prepare to usher in 2025, December is a good time to review and evaluate office safety policies and procedures to ensure compliance and their effectiveness. Using a safety assessment checklist…
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published recommended best practices to prevent infections during oral surgical procedures. The CDC defines surgical procedures as those that involve the incision, excision, or reflection of skin or oral mucosa…
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) establishes recommendations for all dental healthcare personnel to follow to ensure proper infection prevention and control in dental settings. On its Oral Health website, the CDC has published valuable best practice…
U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) is observed each year from November 18th-24th. This year’s USAAW theme is "Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us.” According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antimicrobial resistance happens when germs,…
In September 2024, Senate Bill (SB) 1453, the Dental Board of California’s (DBC’s) sunset review bill, was chaptered into California law, which codifies substantial changes to the 8-hour infection control course requirements established under Business and Professions Code section 1755…
On October 25, 2024, the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR) published its October 2024 Cybersecurity Newsletter. The Newsletter provides valuable information on how to minimize cyber threats from “social engineering”, which is defined…
