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Do You Know How Long Hepatitis C Can Remain Infectious?

Recent studies indicate that hepatitis C can remain infectious at room temperatures for up to 6-weeks.  Is your practice following the latest infection control guidelines for infection control? The CDC reveals that approximately 3 million adults in the U.S., especially Baby Boomers (born 1945–1965), are infected with hepatitis C. Shockingly, 3 out of 4 infected individuals remain unaware of their condition. Once infected, 8 out of 10 people remain infected for life. These numbers are staggering.

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Disposal of Hazardous Waste in a Dental Office

Image of hazardous waste in dentist office.

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.

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Understanding Business Associate Agreements

Business man with computer

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).

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What Can Unlicensed Dental Assistants Do in Tennessee?

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

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

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