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A Former OSHA Inspector’s Top 3 Pet Peeves

As a former OSHA Inspector and compliance officer, I worked hard to keep my cool and not let the little things irritate me. However, each industry had a few hazards that consistently frustrated me. Today, I will share my compliance pet peeves for the dental industry. I issued citations and fines for these hazards and want to help your office avoid them!

Compliance Pet Peeves

1. Lack of Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

This was likely the citation I issued most often across all industries. Every chemical in the workplace must have an accompanying SDS on file. While these documents may seem unnecessary at first glance, they are crucial if an employee is exposed to a chemical. They provide detailed first-aid measures specific to the product and clean-up instructions. Fortunately, you can easily obtain SDS online or directly from your supplier. By staying proactive and keeping up with SDS as you order products, you can avoid creating a backlog and ensure compliance.

2. Eyewash Station Not Working

In the event of a chemical or biological exposure to the eye, experts typically recommend flushing the eye with tepid water for 10-15 minutes. To meet this need, OSHA requires all workplaces to have a plumbed eyewash station available. Unfortunately, many offices fail to regularly test their eyewash stations to ensure they function properly. Waiting until an accident happens is not the time to discover that your eyewash station doesn’t work. Regular testing and maintenance are essential to prevent this oversight and ensure safety.

3. Improper Eye Protection

If you are performing a procedure that could potentially result in spatter of biological material or chemicals, eye protection must be worn. It is typical to see dental workers working in a patient’s mouth with either no eye protection, or only eyeglasses. It is the employer’s responsibility to provide appropriate eye protection and ensure it is worn.

A Personal Note from Caitlin Denison, BS, RDH

Greetings! My name is Caitlin Denison, and I am thrilled to be the newest Compliance Trainer at Modern Practice Solutions. Immediately prior to joining the MPS team I was working clinically as an RDH. So, to all my RDHs and RDAs out there on the front lines– I feel your pain! I always figured I would eventually find my way into dental compliance, as a former OSHA Inspector, prior to getting my RDH degree.

Compliance Pitfalls in Dental Offices

In my role at TOSHA, I saw many of the compliance pitfalls faced by dental offices. As a hygienist, I experienced these pitfalls firsthand. Trying to be compliant when you’re in the trenches treating patients and keeping a business running is a lot harder than it looks!

Striking the Balance Between Compliance and Practicality

Sometimes–and I was guilty of this as a compliance officer–the government can get too bogged down in their own regulations to see practical ways to implement laws and standards. Conversely, dental professionals can get stuck on minute details of how they prefer to do things and fail to meet compliance expectations. For these reasons, I think it is really valuable to have someone working for you who has experience on both sides of the issue. Achieving the right balance of rigorous compliance and practical implementation is key to long-term success.

Joining the Modern Practice Solutions Team

I am excited to join a team of fellow dental professionals-turned-compliance experts. With our combined decades of experience in the field, we are ready to steer your office smoothly down the road to compliance!

Avoid OSHA citations, penalties, and pet peeves of a former OSHA Inspector with advanced planning. Caitlin is available to conduct a mock audit of your dental practice to help you get into compliance. Contact us today!

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  • Modern Practice Solutions

    If you need support with OSHA and HIPAA compliance, you’re in the right place. Since 2000, we’ve been helping dental practices navigate these complex regulations. We understand the increasing challenges posed by evolving compliance requirements, cyber threats, and the significant government penalties for non-compliance. Let us help you stay protected and compliant.

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Compliance Law, Dental Law, Modern Practice Solutions, OSHA


Modern Practice Solutions

If you need support with OSHA and HIPAA compliance, you’re in the right place. Since 2000, we’ve been helping dental practices navigate these complex regulations. We understand the increasing challenges posed by evolving compliance requirements, cyber threats, and the significant government penalties for non-compliance. Let us help you stay protected and compliant.