The compliance date for existing dental offices to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) effluent limitations to reduce the sewer discharge of mercury and other metals is coming up fast. On July 14, 2020, existing dental offices must 1)…
Radiation Dosimetry is the study or systematic measurement of the absorbed dose in matter and tissue resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation. Workers who may be exposed to ionizing radiation wear personal dosimeters to measure the dose. Personnel monitoring refers…
Whether or not protective lead aprons are beneficial to minimizing patient exposure to ionizing radiation is a hot topic right now. In January, many media outlets reported that, due to recent technological advances and current evidence and expert guidance, many…
With influenza activity peaking nationwide this season and with the emergence of a novel strain of coronavirus wreaking havoc in China, control of aerosol transmissible diseases (ATDs) is very important in the healthcare industry to minimize transmission to healthcare personnel…
On November 21, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) updated their online Frequently Asked Questions about the new requirement for employers to train their employees on harassment prevention. The FAQ now indicates that the DFEH online training will be…
On October 30, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology posted a blog about how to effectively use its free online security risk assessment tool for security of…
In January 2017, California Assembly Bill (AB) 2235 took effect, which added to the Dental Practice Act’s definition of unprofessional conduct the failure of dental practitioners to obtain the written informed consent using mandatory language from a minor patient’s parent or guardian prior to…
Cal/OSHA Standard Section 5203 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) mandates that all employers who use a regulated carcinogen must report that use in writing, by mail or email, to Cal/OSHA’s Asbestos and Carcinogen Unit. Cal/OSHA regulates ~30 regulated carcinogens under Title 8 CCR Sections…
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is promoting Saturday, October 26, 2019, as its 18th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Held twice each year in April and October, the objective of the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative is to provide a…
On September 6, the Dental Board of California (DBC) posted a warning on its website about a phone scam targeting California dental licensees. Scam artists posing as DBC staff are calling California licensees and identifying themselves as DBC staff members or investigators…
