The California Department of Public Health Radiologic Health Branch (RHB) recently revised the radiation machine registration form, RH2261, which must be completed and submitted to RHB. Three forms are now available for registration: 1) RH2261N for new registrations, 2) RH2261C…
The use of barrier protection, such as plastic wrap, foil, bags, or other moisture-impervious materials, is an important part of infection prevention and control. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends, and many state dental boards require, barriers…
Effective October 6, 2014, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) restricted hydrocodone combination products (HCPs), which include Vicodin®, Lortab®, and Hycodan®, from Schedule III to the more restrictive Schedule II. Hydrocodone is a strong pain-killer, with similar complications and risks…
According to MSN News, the Supreme Court is considering a case that could have far-reaching consequences to state licensing boards. The case involves the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners (Board), and whether or not it has the authority…
With the deadly Ebola virus claiming its first victim on American soil this past week, healthcare providers, including dental professionals, need to be aware of how to screen and manage patients for the disease. Although the U.S. Centers for Disease…
On September 10, 2014, California Governor Brown signed the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act (AB 1522) into law. Starting July 1, 2015, all private and public employers, regardless of size, will be required to provide paid sick leave (PSL), with…
On September 23, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule to control dental amalgam effluent that will be published in the Federal Register. The rule would require most dentists to install best available control technology, amalgam…
While not prohibited, the 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 to no longer than ¼ inch in length. Artificial nails have…
In order to prevent needle sticks, OSHA prohibits dental practitioners from performing unsafe work practices during needle handling. During patient care, it is important to always handle contaminated needles safely: Do not pass or accept exposed contaminated needles to/from another…
Biofilms are microbial communities that form on the walls of the small-bore plastic tubing that delivers water from the dental unit through the dental handpieces, scalers, and air-water syringes to the patient. Currently, no quantitative water quality standards specific to…
