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…
Employees with potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBP) must receive BBP training initially upon employment and annually thereafter. Cal/OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Standard – Title 8 California Code of Regulations Section 5193 (8 CCR 5193) requires annual training for all…
In early 2013, the federal HIPAA Omnibus Rule went info effect, with a compliance date of September 23, 2013. The Rule brings together the requirements of HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009) and HIPAA…
The California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB) recently issued an exemption that allows dentists to use portable hand-held x-ray systems. Without the exemption, portable hand-held x-ray systems would be prohibited in dentistry, as stated in the following…
JULY 2013 UPDATE In response to x-ray user concerns about the new QA regulations that went into effect late last year, the California Department of Public Health Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB) created Frequently Asked Questions to the new regulations. As…
June 2013 - The U. S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit rejected a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule requiring most private companies, including dental offices, to post a notice informing their union employees of their rights. This…
OSHA exempts dentistry, as a low-risk industry, from maintaining and posting form 300 log (formerly called the “Log 200”). The form 300 log provides a summary of work-related injuries and illnesses during a calendar year. Businesses with more than 10…
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…
Dental offices must be equipped to respond to medical emergencies involving both patients and employees. OSHA requires first aid supplies to be readily available in case of an employee injury, while state dental board may require specific equipment in case…
