The number one reason for disinfectants being ineffective is because the person using it didn’t take the time to read the instructions on the label. If infection control products are not used according to the manufacture’s instructions the desired result which is the “prevention of cross contamination” will not be achieved. Always read label instructions and use accordingly.

Q: We get children who have problems with keeping the x-ray sensor in their mouth because of gagging or discomfort. A staff member  is required to stay in the room with the patient and hold the sensor in place while another staff member presses the button to take the x-ray. The staff has discussed concerns about radiation exposure with the employer, the employer suggest that we wear a radiation apron when in the room while holding the sensor. Is this safe?

A: NO it is not safe and it is a violation of OSHA, Department of Health Services and Consumers Affairs regulations. I would advise your employer to purchase the proper sensor for children, the cost would be cheap compared to the citations, fine and potential lawsuit by employees!

If you received “OSHA” training, you only received five percent of the needed information to be compliant and reduce risk to yourself and patients. OSHA training is not,

• The Dental Practice Act
• Sterilization
• Patient Safety
• Dental Board Infection Control
• HIPAA
• Radiation Safety
• Environmental Heath Management
• Human Recourses

Dental Professionals must look beyond the “OSHA mentality” and take responsibility to find out what they need in order to be competent in their duties. They also need to change their mindset from doing only the minimum to adding value in everything they do.

Before using chemical products or any product for that matter, first read the label. If you do not understand the instructions ask management before using the product. Take the time and steps necessary to be safe!

It is amazing how often I am asked “What’s new with OSHA?  When the question should be “What’s new with Dental Compliance?”

Why?  its simple; Dental Offices are regulated by more than OSHA, depending on the county and city your practice is located in; it can be as many as seven agencies!

However, if you look beyond your OSHA training and gain an understanding of the compliance makeup you will also gain an appreciation that compliance regulation is an essential part of your business operations, both in growing your practice and maintaining your practice, not to mention reducing financial risk. Today compliance has taken on a whole new meaning, it is no longer a back office issue; it is a “total” practice philosophy.  Compliance is good – good for the staff, good for the patient and good for the practice.  So think “Dental Compliance” and not just OSHA.

The mindset for dentistry is on OSHA where it should be on the Dental Board of California which is under Consumer Affairs. I am amazed to find dental offices focused on issues like labeling and MSDS binders more than sterilization and infection control. It is clear that the dental professional needs to become more aware as to what they must know and do regarding patient safety. Patient safety is paramount and it must be delivered consistently but only can be achieved when everyone is on the right page armed with the right knowledge. The Table of Permitted Duties and the Dental Board Infection Control Regulations is a good place to start! Visit the Dental Board’s websites: www.dbc.ca.gov

When it comes to dental compliance do you listen to those who know or do you listen to those who sell?

When choosing a seminar or compliance service you should select on the bases of getting quality how-to information from an expert, the kind of information and expertise that produces results and moves your office forward. Stop listening to those who sell gimmicks and produce nothing but BS.  This choice will cost you many times over in fines, citations, and litigation. Remember these two life teachings – “if it sounds too good to be true, it isn’t” and “you get what you paid for”

Q: Should my hygienists attend your seminar, they feel it is unnecessary since they get OSHA training at their other office they work at.

A: I wonder what your hygienists tell the employer at the other office they work at???

There is a lot more to dental compliance than OSHA, in my seminar OSHA is only 5% of the material I present.. I am amazed why dentist leave out key employees in meetings, trainings or seminars then think their office is compliant and everyone is on the same page as a “team”. I am also amazed why dentists allow their hygienists to refuse to follow policies & procedures or do things their way – are they not EMPLOYEES and are you not the EMPLOYER, get it?

Hygienists, why do you feel that you are above everyone else in the office and that there is nothing new to learn because you have infinite intelligence? How do you expect to contribute to the standard of the office and be a team player when you are not even close to being on the right page?

Now before I start getting a ton of hate email let me clear something up, my comments ARE NOT directed to ALL hygienists, I have worked with some of the greatest hygienists in the profession, these people in my mind are TRUE healthcare professionals of the highest caliber, they know who they are and they make-up only 2% of the hygienists population.

Bottom line, in order to be a Patient Compliant office that provides “Excellence in Patient Safety and Infection Control” every member of the team MUST be pulling in the same direction. Every member must add value to what they do, be able to teach others by example and themselves be teachable.

Q. Recently my office was inspected by OSHA as a result I received several fines; two were regarding my compliance manual.  The OSHA inspector said my manual was missing several written plans, was outdated and too general. I had purchased the manual a month ago from the company who picks up my hazardous waste.  I contacted the company and told them what the inspector had said, their reply was they did not have manuals specifically for a dental office.  Can we purchase the right compliance manual from your company?

A. YES – I only write compliance manuals for dental offices, email me and I will provide you with the details – tom@tomterryseminars.com