Monthly dental compliance newsletters covering the latest OSHA updates, infection control guidance, California dental regulations, and practice management tips for dental professionals.
Federal rules set the threshold for when radiation dosimetry monitoring becomes mandatory in a dental office — see Are Dosimetry Badges Required in Dental Offices? for the full breakdown of that threshold and how it applies. This piece focuses on…
As of July 1, 2024, California employers are required to have a customized written workplace violence prevention (WVP) plan and to provide annual WVP training to their employees. Training must also be conducted when changes to the WVP plan are…
Under the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), dental practices handling protected health information (PHI) are required to conduct a HIPAA security risk analysis. This requirement applies to all covered entities and business associates and is essential for…
In the dental profession, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not require that employees or employers receive CE units or attend outside OSHA courses. The basic premise of OSHA's training requirements, for all employers in the US,…
Chemical cleaners on the market to remove and clean biofilm from dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) must be registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA requires regulatory oversight because chemical treatment regimens on the market claiming to control biofilm…
As we are in the midst of flu season, dental offices play a crucial role in preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses. Given the close-contact nature of dental procedures, implementing infection control measures is essential. One simple yet effective step…
As the COVID-19 is now in an endemic phase, most of Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Non-Emergency Regulation has expired as of February 3, 2025, affecting infection control, workplace safety, and patient care policies. The reporting and recordkeeping requirements remain in effect until…
Cybersecurity threats, such as phishing emails, ransomware attacks, and data breaches, are increasing in the healthcare industry, including dental practices. Regular cybersecurity training and risk analyses are essential, and required under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to…
Dental healthcare personnel should follow the manufacturers’ instructions for packaging patient-care items. This includes following instructions for the item(s) being sterilized, the packaging, and any sterilization equipment being used. Refer to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)…
With the end of the year drawing near, as we prepare to usher in 2025, 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…
