With the measles outbreak in California and the flu outbreaks nationwide, dental staff need to make sure they are screening patients for these diseases prior to treating patients. In California, Cal/OSHA's Aerosol Transmissible Disease (ATD) Standard requires healthcare providers to…
“Documented occupational acquisition to HIV infection in healthcare workers has become rare in the United States,” states the January 9th edition of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Since 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been notified…
Employee safety is the sole focus of regulations mandated by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Hence, the intent of OSHA's training requirements is to ensure that all employees are trained on the hazards associated with the job,…
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory, warning the public to expect a severe flu season this year. The most common flu variants circulating to date this year are the influenza A H3N2…
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…
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…
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…
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…
