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…
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…
OSHA requires, at a minimum, dental offices to follow the concept of universal precautions to control occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the adherence to standard precautions. The term universal…
All dental practices in California must post a provide notification that Dental Board licensees in California are under the jurisdiction of the Dental Board of California (DBC). For practices with registered dental hygienists (RDHs) on staff, an additional notification stating…
On March 28, the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released a new security risk assessment tool to help small to medium sized offices conduct a risk assessment of their organizations. The tool is designed to help practices…
Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), the hepatitis B virus (HBV) three-shot vaccination series must be made available at no cost to all employees with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, within ten working days…
This is a question we receive a lot. Ideally, an extracted tooth should be given back to the patient after the tooth has been cleaned, wiped down with a disinfectant, and rinsed with water. If the patient doesn’t want it,…
With the flu season well upon us, and quite severe this year, we want to remind you about proper hand hygiene. Proper hand hygiene is considered to be the single most important measure for preventing pathogen transmission in healthcare settings.…
During an inspection, some of the first things Cal/OSHA will request are required current written plans –Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Control, Hazard Communication? Are you up-to-date? Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has provided dental…
