On December 3, Cal/OSHA issued a News Release stating that the California agency cited Kaiser Foundation Hospitals $149,000 for exposing workers to injury and infection from used needles in the hospital’s sharps collection containers. At least three employees have been…
When you consider the decontamination procedures for high-tech equipment, including computers, digital imaging equipment, and intraoral cameras, first and foremost, you should follow the manufacturer's directions. This provides the best results with the least damage to the equipment. In its…
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends a flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. The CDC also recommends the following as part of your everyday preventative actions: • Frequent hand…
In California, the Dental Board of California (DBC) Infection Control Regulation states that “sterile coolants/irrigants shall be used for surgical procedures involving soft tissue or bone. Sterile coolants/irrigants must be delivered using a sterile delivery system.” According to the Center…
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…
