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:
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.
by Caitlin Denison, BS, RDH
Chemical dependency, or substance abuse disorder, may seem like a condition far removed from the dental operatory. In fact, not only are we likely to encounter patients suffering from this disease, but we are also in a unique position to identify substance abuse in patients, help educate them, and provide them with resources.