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…
OSHA requires every original chemical container to have a primary shipping label from the manufacturer with a few exceptions: Drugs for patient care, consumer chemicals, and pesticides, including disinfectants and dental unit waterline cleaners, are not subject to the labeling…
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…
Pharmaceutical waste in a dental office is regulated as medical waste, and includes expired or partially-used over-the-counter medications, patient prescriptions, and emergency drugs. Since California is the strictest state in terms of medical waste disposal, California’s requirements are provided below.…
Last month, the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis released a report estimating the supply and demand for dentists and dental hygienists in 2012 and 2025. The data estimates were calculated using modeling techniques, based on specific assumptions. The findings…
While not specifically prohibited by in California, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that dental personnel with direct contact with patients refrain from wearing artificial nails, keeping natural nail tips short and groomed, and stop wearing…
Part of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created in 1970 to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training,…
The United States Supreme Court ruled today, by a 6-3 vote, that the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners (NCBDE) does not have the authority to regulate teeth whitening, and that it unreasonably restrained trade in violation of anti-trust law.…
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…
