Dental offices must permit people with disabilities to bring their service animals onto their premises. The federal Americans with Disability Act (AwDA) defines service animals as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with…
The Radiologic Health Branch (RHB) of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is charged with enforcing x-ray safety requirements in California. Last week we spoke with an RHB representative who asked if we could send out a reminder to…
When dentists utilize their office staff legally and effectively, they can increase office efficiency and production, as well as provide a more rewarding work environment for employees. Therefore, it is important to be able to determine the dental auxiliary duties…
In late May, the American Dental Association (ADA) reported that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is postponing the release of a new amalgam separator rule. Initially, the rule was expected to become final in September 2015, but will be delayed…
OSHA requires every original chemical container to have a primary shipping label from the manufacturer with a few exceptions: Drugs for patient care, consumer chemicals, and pesticides, including disinfectants and dental unit waterline cleaners, are not subject to the labeling…
On June 1, 2015, chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors must be in compliance with all modified provisions of the updated Federal Hazard Communication Standard. As of that date, chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide updated chemical labels…
Infection control is a serious concern for patients, staff, dentists and regulators. Public awareness from media outlets can highlight the need for following recognized and mandated infection control rules and guidelines. The investigative report KCRA by a Sacramento, California news station showed…
All clinical contact surfaces that are not protected by impervious barriers must be cleaned and disinfected using a low- to intermediate-level hospital disinfectant registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The low-level disinfectants used must be labeled as effective against…
Most state dental boards require that biological monitoring of the sterilization cycle be conducted using a spore test on a weekly basis. But what about sterilizer monitoring using a chemical indicator? Do most dental boards require chemical monitoring too? Chemical…
Healthcare employers are not required to provide routine booster shots or serologic testing to their employees, other than serologic testing immediately following the vaccination series. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard incorporates the recommendations of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) by…
