Most state dental boards require weekly spore testing. In addition to CDC's infection control recommendations include weekly sterilizer monitoring. Staying in compliance can be a challenge especially if staff skips a week due to vacations or even terminations. If the…
We have received calls in the past from dentists asking if they are required to pay for a sign-language interpreter for hearing-impaired patients. The short answer to the question is – it depends. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires dentists…
Do you know OSHA requires dental offices to have written OSHA safety plans in place that specify how various hazards in the office will be controlled to protect employees? Employers, including dental offices, must have these customized written plans onsite…
First check the manufacturer’s instruction manual for ultrasonic cleaner maintenance information and recommended testing frequency. If manufacturer’s information is not available, the aluminum foil test, recommended on a monthly basis, is a fast and simple method to check the cleaning…
The shelf life of sterilized packaged instruments can be either date-related or event-related; both are acceptable. Date-related shelf life refers to a first-in first-out policy, meaning that the items that are sterilized first are used first, so long as the…
The current edition of Costco Connection (June 2014) Costco Connection (June 2014) contains an article asking readers to provide their opinion to the long-standing debate of to fluoridate or not to fluoridate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and…
The July/August issue of OSHA Review, providing an update on HIPAA requirements, has been mailed. Enclosed with the issue is an informational document that answers dentists frequently asked questions about HIPAA. Note this issue is worth 2 CE credits toward…
The Louisiana State Board of Dentistry recommends that their members follow the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health- Care Settings. In reference to sterilizer monitoring, the CDC guidelines state: “Monitor sterilizers at least weekly by using a biological…
On July 1, 2014, the first of two minimum wage increases planned for the next two years will go into effect in California. The minimum wage, currently at $8 per hour, will increase to $9 per hour on July 1,…
While not explicitly prohibited by OSHA, carpet in dental operatories is highly discouraged, since both chemical spills and bloodborne pathogen contamination can occur during dental procedures. The bottom line is that carpeting is more difficult to keep clean and cannot…
