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…
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…
Dentists have options when disposing of medical waste, consisting of red-bag waste and contaminated sharps, generated in their offices. Many states allow medical waste generators to use approved mail-back systems for medical waste disposal, which provide a simple, economical alternative…
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory notifying dental practitioners to take care when using dental dispensers on multiple patients. Multiple-use dental dispensers, also called dental “syringes” are devices used to deliver various dental products such as impression…
OSHA requires all employees with potential occupational exposure to blood/OPIM to have initial AND annual bloodborne pathogens training. Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has provided dental professionals with comprehensive programs to support regulatory compliance and infection control. We are a…
Most state dental boards require weekly spore testing. In addition to CDC's infection control recommendations include weekly sterilizer monitoring. Staying in compliance can be a challenge especially if staff skips a week due to vacations or even terminations. If the…
We have received calls in the past from dentists asking if they are required to pay for a sign-language interpreter for hearing-impaired patients. The short answer to the question is – it depends. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires dentists…
