Proper waste management in dental offices is crucial to protecting the environment and ensuring regulatory compliance. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified pharmaceutical compounds in rivers, lakes, and drinking water, making it essential for healthcare facilities to handle waste responsibly. Below, we’ll outline key considerations and best practices for managing hazardous waste in dental settings.
A critical component of a dental office’s HIPAA compliance program is obtaining business associate agreements from their business associates. A business associate is a person or an entity that provides services for the covered entity (dental office) involving protected health information (PHI) and electronic protected health information (ePHI).
Our office frequently receives questions about the duties unlicensed dental assistants can perform in Tennessee. Dental assistants must follow the scope of practice outlined in Tennessee’s Rules for Dental Assistants. They must also stay updated on these rules and maintain current licenses and certifications. Renewals can be completed at www.tennesseeanytime.org
The below information is a guideline adapted from RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF DENTAL ASSISTANTS as set forth by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. Please visit the website at http://www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/0460/0460-04.20120319.pdf