According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the White House’s memorandum dated January 20, 2017, to freeze all or new pending regulations includes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rule, which would require dental offices to install amalgam separators. The…
It is that time of year again, time for employers to post a copy of OSHA’s Form 300A Summary, which summarizes job-related injuries and illnesses logged during 2016. The summary must be displayed in a common area where notices to…
In October, 2016, the ADA adopted a new ADA Statement on the Use of Opioids in the Treatment of Dental Pain, which provides recommendations for dentists on prescribing opioids to patients. In addition to specific practice recommendations, the statement urges…
Effective January 18, 2017, powdered surgeon’s gloves, powdered patient examination gloves, and absorbable powder for lubricating a surgeon’s glove will be banned from use in the United States. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these devices “present an…
On December 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final rule on effluent limitations for dental offices to reduce the discharge of mercury and other metals from dental offices down the sewer drain to publically owned treatment works…
For the first time in 145 years, the United States Surgeon General issued a plea specifically to healthcare providers calling them to action, and urging them to help end the country’s opioid epidemic. The call-to-action letter was published in the…
Hand hygiene in a dental office is critical to preventing disease transmission, and must be performed frequently throughout the day. Dental healthcare personnel must wash their hands with plain soap and water at the start and end of each workday,…
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) recently announced that International Infection Prevention Week is scheduled for October 16-22, 2016. The goal of the initiative is to raise awareness and to promote infection control and prevention in…
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is in full swing of Phase 2 of its audit program as part of ongoing efforts to assess HIPAA compliance. In May, HHS sent emails to thousands of covered entities and…
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is launching a series of webinars to educate stakeholders on the agency’s new recommendations for prescribing opioid drugs for chronic pain. The first webinar will be held on June 22nd, from 2:00-3:00…
