Dental surface disinfection is one of the most important parts of infection control, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. In many offices, products are used quickly, surfaces are wiped too soon, or staff members assume cleaning and…
Welcome to Dental Bytes, a monthly eNewsletter from OSHA Review designed specifically for dental professionals who want to stay ahead of regulatory changes, infection control standards, and best practices across the United States. Each month, we deliver curated, easy-to-digest updates…
Why “Keeping It Wet” Matters for Infection Control Compliance Many dental offices believe that wiping a surface quickly is enough to disinfect it — but one of the most common infection-control mistakes involves misunderstanding contact time. Contact time refers to…
Chemical cleaners on the market to remove and clean biofilm from dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) must be registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA requires regulatory oversight because chemical treatment regimens on the market claiming to control biofilm…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends, and many state dental boards require, disposable impervious barriers, such as such as plastic wrap, foil, bags, or other moisture-impervious materials, to be used on clinical contact surfaces and equipment that may be…
One of the current best management practices for managing dental amalgam in wastewater, recommended universally among dental organizations, is the prohibition on the use of dental vacuum line cleaners that promote the release of mercury from the vacuum lines. Specifically,…
All surface disinfectants, i.e. antimicrobials, sold in the United States are regulated under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) because antimicrobials are in fact pesticides. Under FIFRA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulating,…
Here at OSHA Review, Inc, we have always advocated the importance of cleaning surfaces as a first step before disinfecting them. A recent article by infection prevention expert Darrel Hicks goes even further to describe cleaning and disinfection as “a…
When you consider the decontamination procedures for high-tech equipment, including computers, digital imaging equipment, and intraoral cameras, first and foremost, you should follow the manufacturer's directions. This provides the best results with the least damage to the equipment. In its…
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends a flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. The CDC also recommends the following as part of your everyday preventative actions: • Frequent hand…
