Sterilization Monitoring in Dental Offices
Sterilization Monitoring Regular sterilizer monitoring in a dental office, when properly implemented, is an important part of infection control verification, and includes a combination of process parameters to evaluate the sterilizing conditions and the sterilizer’s effectiveness. Biological monitoring is the…
FDA Bans 24 Active Ingredients from OTC Antiseptics
In December 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule banning 24 ingredients found in over-the-counter (OTC) antispetics used for hand hygiene in the healthcare industry. The final rule becomes effective on December 20, 2018. According…
Reminder: New Proposition 65 Requirements Effective August 2018 – California Requirement
Under new amendments to Proposition 65 warning regulations, starting on August 30, 2018, dental offices will have to comply with one or both of the following: Post one Proposition 65 warning sign at all public points of entry to the…
CA Dentists Should Check Security Prescription Forms for Compliance
According to the Dental Board of California (DBC), as notified by the California State Board of Pharmacy (Pharmacy Board), there are a number of non-compliant security prescription forms in use by healthcare professionals, including dentists, that were printed by Department…
ADA Survey: Ergonomic Risks in Dentistry
The American Dental Association (ADA) conducted a well-being survey among dentists in 2015 that revealed ergonomics to be a major issue. According to the ADA, two-thirds of responding dentists reported neck pain and low back pain, with half of them…
OSHA Review Compliance System Offer – Expires February 28, 2018
For California dentists who’ve ever lost sleep worrying about compliance with state, federal and Dental Board regulations! When you order OSHA Review, you’ll understand why dentists in California have relied on their subscriptions for more than twenty years. You’ll receive…
HIPAA Allows Patient Sign-In Sheets and Postcard Appointment Reminders
Navigating the requirements under the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) can often be confusing and overwhelming. Many times, in order to ensure compliance, healthcare providers are more protective of information than necessary. While being more diligent is…
EPA Issues Amalgam Separator FAQs
Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted responses to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the new amalgam separator rule on the EPA’s website. The FAQ document provides detailed answers to various questions such as “Who must comply with…
Time for the Annual Safety Review – OSHA Compliance
With the end of the year drawing near, as we prepare to usher in 2018, 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…