RM Matters
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Minimize Risk of Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Through Education and Planning TDIC Risk Management Staff
D
ental professionals may be at risk of exposure to numerous workplace hazards. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the state of California have legal requirements for employers to create and maintain safe workplaces. California dental offices must meet infection control and safety standards, including those that address bloodborne pathogens and biological agents, for both federal and state agencies. OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard applies to all employers with employees who have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, regardless of how many workers are employed. The Dentists Insurance Company handles workers’ compensation claims related to a wide range of workplace incidents, but the most common reported injuries are from needlesticks. These injuries can put health care workers at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. It is no surprise then, that to be compliant with Cal/OSHA standards, California dental practices are required to train any team member who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. What might come as a surprise to practice leaders is that this training is required by both federal and Cal/OSHA on a yearly basis. Confusion exists because many assume the standards for bloodborne pathogen training are the same as those for infection control training, which is required by the Dental Board of California to be completed every two years.
When a sharps injury does occur, practice owners are responsible for managing the possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The Dentists Insurance Company’s Advice Line often receives calls regarding how to handle exposures and mitigate liabilities.
A Common Scenario
In one case reported to TDIC’s Advice Line, a full-time dental assistant
had just completed assisting a dentist with a root canal procedure. In a rush to prepare the operatory for the next patient, the assistant failed to notice that the needle was not capped. While hurrying to gather the instruments, she punctured her right thumb with the needle, then reported the incident to the dentist. When the dentist called the Advice Line for guidance, the TDIC analyst
answers
From one-on-one risk management advice by phone to informed consent forms to expert-led seminars, we’re here to help you practice with confidence. We are The Dentists Insurance Company. Learn more at tdicinsurance.com/rm
Protecting dentists. It’s all we do.
®
800.733.0633 | tdicinsurance.com | Insurance Lic. #0652783
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