Blog | Modern Practice Solutions

Do we load autoclave pouches paper side up or down?

Written by web on January 4, 2023. Posted in Modern Practice Solutions.

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.

Grow Together with Performance Reviews

Written by Modern Practice Solutions on December 23, 2022. Posted in Modern Practice Solutions.

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.

HIPAA Violation: Dentist Responded to an Online Review

Written by Modern Practice Solutions on December 19, 2022. Posted in Modern Practice Solutions.

Another Dentist in Hot Water for a HIPAA Violation Due to Responding to an Online Review

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.

Creating a Human Firewall in Your Practice

Written by web on November 23, 2022. Posted in Modern Practice Solutions.

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.

SDS Organization and Optimization Made Easy!

Written by Modern Practice Solutions on November 15, 2022. Posted in Modern Practice Solutions.

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.

Safety Coordinators and Privacy/Security Officers Defined, and Why Your Practice Needs Them

Written by Modern Practice Solutions on November 13, 2022. Posted in Modern Practice Solutions.

A dentist and dental assistant work together on a patient in a clean, professional clinic setting.

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.

Post Exposure Management: What to Do When an Incident Occurs

Written by Modern Practice Solutions on November 11, 2022. Posted in Modern Practice Solutions.

Tuition Payback Agreements - Protect Your Employee Investment

Over the years, we’ve received quite a few phone calls with desperate and worried persons on the other end of the line telling us that there has been a needlestick incident in their practice and they have no idea what to do next. This is definitely not a fun predicament to be in, but with Post Exposure Management, it’s important to keep your head and take the appropriate steps to ensure that you’re following OSHA’s standards. Don’t be intimidated by the forms and the protocol. You can do this.

Questions to Ask When Interviewing an IT Company to Serve Your Practice

Written by Modern Practice Solutions on November 9, 2022. Posted in Modern Practice Solutions.

Everyone knows choosing the right IT company for your practice is crucial, but how do you decide? Interviewing an IT company helps you make the best choice. Asking the right questions shows if the IT company can meet your needs in today’s fast-changing tech and security landscape. Let’s explore some questions to guide your process.

Clearing Up Questions About Spill Kits

Written by web on November 8, 2022. Posted in Modern Practice Solutions.

Two support questions we receive quite often are: what is the difference between an Infectious Spill Kit and Chemical Spill Kit, and what products do we need to maintain those kits?

Choosing a Safety Coordinator for Your Practice

Written by Modern Practice Solutions on November 7, 2022. Posted in Modern Practice Solutions.

TOSHA Inspector and Dentist standing in office.

Every practice needs a person who is in charge of keeping the practice OSHA-compliant and safe. This person needs to be onsite at the practice for most of the time when the practice and/or specific location is open. Choosing a Safety Coordinator can be more efficient with these guidelines.