Quite a number of support calls and cases have come through with the problem of RDAs and RDHs licenses lapsed. This results in fines and penalties for both the RDA, RDH, and the owner/dentist. It is important that your dental license is current.
by Olivia Wann
Are you aware the FBI warned of search engine ads when you search for your bank online?
When you search for your bank online, a search engine advertisement may pop up to promote websites distributing ransomware or stealing login credentials.
by Olivia Wann
I have personally been a fan of the Hufriedy IMS cassette system for many years. Why? Number one, the cassette system promotes safety. By handling the contaminated instruments less, the assistants and hygienists are less likely to have a sharps injury. If we can minimize the risk of an exposure incident, we have accomplished two things: 1) employees feel safer, and 2) we minimized the added costs of post exposure management.
I also how it saves time and promotes organization. Up to an hour a day is saved and we all can use more time in our day!
Another plus is the fact that the instruments will last longer by reducing the amount of abrasive contact during transport and pre-cleaning in the ultrasonic cleaner. Once again, this puts dollars back in the practice’s budget.
by Olivia Wann
Have you wondered why people are leaving their jobs? According to iHire’s 2022 Talent Retention Report, the top 5 reasons people left jobs in the last 12 months are:
In a dental or medical office, obviously compensation can peak in line with industry averages for the required position; however, can we explore ways to increase satisfaction with compensation such as an additional paid day off, participation in a bonus, payment of a portion of health insurance coverage or other ideas?
Most dental offices only work 4 days a week allowing better work/life balance. However, in evaluating a lack of recognition or appreciation, can we consider making the effort to engage everyone during morning huddles and team meetings? Perhaps interview team members during the meeting to share their perspective on practice growth, patient satisfaction, and goals for the new year. Everyone wants and needs to be heard.
We are excited to offer the program: From Acceptable to Exceptional: How to raise your team’s performance and keep them engaged. If you have any questions in regards to courses offered in the coming year, email olivia@oliviawann.com.
by Olivia Wann
Depends. Check with the manufacturer because the information may vary among brands.
According to CDC, all items to be sterilized should be arranged so all surfaces will be directly exposed to the sterilizing agent. Loading procedures must allow for free circulation of steam around each item.
Wrapped cassettes should be spaced apart and single height loaded. They should not be touching each other.
Peel pouches should be placed on its edge in racks according to Midmark.
Check with the manufacturer to determine whether cassettes or pouches should be sterilized in a horizontal position such as the Tuttnauer EZ9Plus or a vertical position as in the Tuttnauer EZ11. Tuttnauer also indicates to place paper/plastic pouches with the plastic side up.
More info here: https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/sterilization/sterilizing-practices.html
Watch the Midmark video here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPIXM9OBQfI
Don’t forget to place a chemical indicator inside of cassettes and use autoclave tape on the outside. Also, date the pouches and cassettes with the sterilization date and indicate which sterilizer was used.
Have you scheduled performance reviews with your team members? This is a great time to conduct your evaluation of the employee’s achievements and contributions made during year 2022 and to assess the areas to improve during year 2023.
On December 14, 2022, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a settlement with a dental practice in California over the impermissible disclosure of patient protected health information (PHI) in response to online reviews, and other potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule. The practice used social media inappropriately responding to a negative online review that disclosed Protected Health Information. The dental practice paid $23,000 to OCR and agreed to implement a corrective action plan (CAP) to resolve this investigation.
by Gracie Hogue
Not sure what the term “Human Firewall” means? A lot of people don’t. But as the idea and practice of a human firewall gains more and more recognition and effectiveness, now is a great time to implement this in your practice.
One of the things we’ve noticed over the years in visiting different practice’s is the state of their SDS binder. We often see what we refer to as “Frankenbinders.” Those have chunks missing, pieces of unrelated materials added, and an overall disarray of pages. When you look at it, it gives you feelings of dread and procrastination. You definitely wouldn’t want OSHA to see it if they were to drop by unannounced. SDS organization and optimization is important for practices.
The average dental practice is extremely busy in trying to keep up with patient and treatment schedules. So for many practice staff, the thought of keeping up with both OSHA and HIPAA compliance is overwhelming. Safety coordinators and officers provide essential roles to your practice. This is why it is vital to have designated officers that can handle these components.