OSHA might be looking closely at more dental practices as a result of the announcement to study bloodborne pathogens compliance in dental practices.
The Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention (OSAP) will conduct the study. The purpose of the project, "Is to ensure the bloodborne pathogens exposure control plans are effectively implemented in private dental offices and dental clinics to understand how effective implementation strategies may be applied to other healthcare settings."
Do you think OSHA will use the collective findings of the OSAP study to improve dental practice enforcement efforts? Has a dentist ever asked you to rinse and spit?
Of the total OSHA fine amount applied to healthcare facilities last year, 6% was from dental practices, according to a report to the OSHA Office of Management Systems.