The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorizes patient-care dental items (instruments, devices, equipment) into three categories: Critical items cut bone and/or penetrate soft tissue and carry the highest risk of disease transmission. Semi-critical items touch mucous membranes or…
Oklahoma investigators announce first documented patient-to-patient hepatitis C transmission in a dental office On September 18, Oklahoma public health investigators released a status update confirming the first known patient-to-patient transmission of hepatitis C. The transmission occurred in an Oklahoma dental…
All clinical contact surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected using a Cal/EPAregistered, hospital disinfectant that is labeled as effective against HIV and HBV, or TB. Furthermore, all clinical contact surfaces that are not protected by impervious barriers must be cleaned and disinfected using a Cal-EPA…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends, and most states require, dental offices to monitor their sterilizers weekly using a spore test. Regular sterilizer monitoring using biologic indicators, i.e. spore tests, is considered the standard practice in dentistry,…
In early August, the US Public Health Service (USPHS) released updated guidelines for managing occupational exposures to HIV and recommendations for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The updated guidelines were developed by an interagency USPHS working group consisting of members from the…
Proper surface disinfection of dental work surfaces is essential for preventing the transmission of infectious pathogens to patients and health care workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines disinfection as the “destruction of pathogenic and other kinds…
Thank you OSHA Review for making SUV brand disinfectant available to dental offices. I have been using your disinfectant for over 7 years. They are effective and incredibly cost effective. OSHA review customer service representatives do everything in their power…
Cal/OSHA is California’s occupational safety and health enforcement agency, covering nearly all employees in the state, except federal employees who fall under the jurisdiction of Federal OSHA. Cal/OSHA conducts workplace inspections to determine whether employers are complying with Cal/OSHA requirements.…
April 1, 2013 – Infection control and prevention in the dental setting are critical part to a successful dental practice. Not following the infection control “standard of care” can lead to unwanted exposure to transmissible infections during dental treatment. This…
World TB Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about TB-related problems and solutions and to support worldwide TB-control efforts. The following excerpt is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC found at Tuberculosis TB Facts - What…
