CDC Issues Official Health Advisory Concerning Need to Improve Procedures for Processing Reusable Medical Devices for Reuse On September 11, 2015, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Official Health Advisory to healthcare facilities on the…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides valuable online resources and information on proper hand hygiene in healthcare settings. Educational materials include interactive training for employees, an overview of hand hygiene, CDC guidelines, materials for patients, etc. Additionally,…
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends, and many state dental boards require, that single-use, or disposable, devices be used on one patient only and then discarded. Single-use items in dentistry are usually not heat-tolerant and oftentimes…
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…
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…
Next week, OSHA Review will be in San Antonio, exhibiting at the Texas Dental Association’s 2015 Texas Meeting. The annual Texas dental convention is expecting an attendance of 11,500 people this year. At the show, you can take advantage of…
OSHA Review will be in Anaheim next week, exhibiting at the California Dental Association’s CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry. The annual Southern California dental convention is the nations second largest dental show, with an attendance of 28,000…
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…
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…
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that heat-sensitive, reusable, patient–care items used during dental treatment be cleaned and undergo sterilization (critical items) or high-level disinfection (semi-critical instruments) between patients using a chemical sterilant/high-level disinfectant approved by…
