by Brenda Thornburg

Why is it so important to have a Fire Safety Plan? Just look around.

Common materials used in dentistry, such as gauze packs, cotton rolls, latex gloves, mouth masks and paper drapes are all obvious sources of fuel for a fire. Not to mention, isopropyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, lamps, and Bunsen burners, X-ray films. While not flammable themselves, oxygen and nitrous oxide significantly increase the risk of fire when present with other flammable materials.

Storing flammable materials in designated containers and following proper handling procedures are critical to prevent fire hazards. As is having your Hazard Communication Standard in place to educate and protect team members. Having Safety Data Sheets and proper labeling are an essential part of your Fire Safety Plan. They provide important firefighting measures in case a chemical starts a fire. Dental offices use many different chemicals with fire hazards ranging from explosive and flammable to irritative characteristics.

And let’s not forget all the water lines running in proximity with electrical lines in your dental units and equipment. Regular inspection and maintenance of electrical cords, outlets, and dental equipment to prevent overheating or sparking.

We need to be aware of patient safety as it relates to fire during dental care. A 72-year-old patient received second-degree burns on her face caused by a fire that ignited near the nasal hood supplying a nitrous oxide-oxygen mixture. The ignition source was likely caused by the heat generated during the preparation of a titanium post with a high-speed, irrigated carbide bur. The patient was treated at a local hospital and discharged home with second-degree burns.[1]

Your Fire Safety Plan and training are essential to keep your dental office, team, and patients as safe as possible. All the above, as well as the following:

• Regularly evaluate and maintain all fire alarms and smoke detectors throughout the office.
• Proper placement of fire extinguishers, clearly labeled and regularly inspected. Schedule training for all staff on the proper use of fire extinguishers.
• Backup emergency lighting in case of power outage. Clearly mark all exits and evacuation routes throughout the office.
• Determine who will call 911. Maintain an updated list of emergency contact numbers for local fire department, emergency medical services, and police department in the event the 911 system may be down.
• Establish a designated safety point outside the building where everyone will meet when evacuating. Once everyone is safely out of the building, and the fire department has put out the fire…the real work begins. That’s where your Disaster Recovery Plan will kick in. But that is a separate conversation.

https://www.protectorplan.com/wp-content/uploads/ada_disaster_manual.ashx_-2.pdf

https://journals.lww.com/jdrr/fulltext/2015/02020/fire_safety_in_dental_clinics__basics_for_dentists.13.

https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/practice-management/emergency-planning-and-disaster-recovery-planning-in-the-dental-

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27083777/, accessed on July 8, 2025

by Terri Walker

While most patients and dental team members aim to keep patients comfortable during their visit, the paramount concern remains whether the patient will experience illness from their dental treatment.

by Olivia Wann, JD

As you read through this article, how do you feel? Is your neck, back, or shoulder hurting? Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can result in absenteeism, lost productivity, increased health care disability, and worker’s compensation costs. It also causes difficulty filling vacant positions especially during this labor shortage.

By Brenda Thornburg

The Active Shooter Scenario has become all too common in the news and in our lives. It’s hard to think of ourselves as ever being a part of one of these horrendous events, but we are in fact vulnerable. At church, grocery stores, concerts, and yes, even in our workplaces. We’ve all experienced the wrath of a disgruntled patient. How do we know whether a rude, arrogant patient or family member is going to morph into a dangerous situation?

by Terri Walker

The answer lies in the evolution of security.  From ancient Greece, where “watchwords” were used, to the 1944 military challenge-response methods, the importance of safeguarding information has always been paramount. Fast forward to the 1960s, when the first digital password was created at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). As technology advanced, we quickly learned that many password choices are inherently vulnerable. Users often opt for passwords they can easily remember, but this also makes them easy to guess.

By Gracie Hogue & Caitlin Denison

During our visits to various practices, we often encountered chaotic Safety Data Sheet (SDS) binders—what we call “Frankenbinders.” These are incomplete, cluttered with unrelated materials, and far from OSHA-ready. Here’s how to streamline your SDS binder efficiently:

by Terri Walker

Are you relying on a “free” email account for your practice? It’s crucial to unveil the hidden costs associated with these seemingly costless services.

by Caitlin Denison, BS, RDH

Most dental professionals are aware of the risk of contracting hepatitis B that comes with working in the dental field. Most dental professionals are also aware that the hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect oneself from the virus. Despite this, during training Q & As we often find that employees and employers are not quite sure what their rights and responsibilities are when it comes to the Hep B vaccine. Below are some common questions and answers to help demystify the requirements.  

Q: I am an employer, am I required to have my employees vaccinated for hepatitis B?

A: The OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard requires that employers offer all employees who have occupational exposure the hepatitis B vaccine after the employee has received training and within 10 working days of initial assignment. The employer does not need to require that employees be vaccinated, they only need to offer the vaccine free of charge.

Q: As the employer, do I have to pay for my employees’ vaccines?

A: Yes. The employer is required to provide the vaccine to occupationally exposed employees free of charge. Employees must not be made to pay for their own hepatitis B vaccinations.

Q: I am an employee and I do not want to be vaccinated for hepatitis B, what do I do?

A: Employees may decline the vaccine. Employees who decline the vaccination need to sign the declination form which can be found in appendix A of the bloodborne pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030).

Q: What if an employee initially declines the hepatitis B vaccine and later decides they would like to get vaccinated?

A: If that employee is still covered under the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard, the employer must make the vaccine available free of charge at that time.

Q: Do employers have to provide employees with hepatitis B booster shots?

A: The OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard states that a routine booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine must be made available at no cost to the employee if it is recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service. Currently, the CDC does not recommend a booster for most people. In most cases, immunity from the hepatitis B vaccine lasts a lifetime. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/vaccination/index.html

Q: Can I require my employees to be screened for immunity prior to offering the hepatitis B vaccine?

A: No. The OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard states that employers “shall not make participation in a prescreening program a prerequisite for receiving hepatitis B vaccination”.

Resources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 27). Hepatitis B vaccination. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/vaccination/index.html

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). 1910.1030 – Bloodborne pathogens. U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1030

by Terri Walker

During an OSHA or Dental Board inspection or audit, the inspector will likely begin by requesting your documentation, which will include your safety policies and records of completed tasks.

by Caitlin Denison, BS, RDH

1. Failure to Provide Appropriate Training

Dental offices often fail to provide adequate training, including bloodborne pathogens and hazard communication training. This training is essential for ensuring staff understand potential risks and safety protocols.