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.

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.

by Brenda Thornburg

What is two factor authentication? Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an identity and access management security method that requires two forms of identification to access resources and data. 2FA gives businesses the ability to monitor and help safeguard their most vulnerable information and networks.

by Caitlin Denison, BS, RDH

Can I share my patient’s protected health information with their spouse? The answer is, in certain circumstances, yes.

By Olivia Wann

During an onsite mock OSHA – Infection Control audit, we evaluate how the treatment room is cleaned and disinfected. Quite often we note that the keyboards and mice are not addressed. Keyboards can become contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms and can result in cross contamination. 

by Gracie Hogue

In a busy practice, it can be easy for the team to lose track of each other even if they are working together. We can all develop tunnel vision with our own to-do lists and daily duties, then losing the scope of teamwork. How do we step back and get a better perspective of the whole?

by Terri Walker

Congratulations on your selection as Safety Manager! This esteemed role is more than just a title; it represents the trust placed in you to significantly impact the safety of everyone in the office, including your team members, doctors, and patients.