9/5/2023 0 Comments Dental office daily task sheet![]() See the personal protective equipment (PPE) section of this page for further information. Among the increased precautions dental practices may need to implement-potentially for the first time-in order to comply with existing OSHA standards is an OSHA-compliant respiratory protection program under the Respiratory Protection standard (. Surgical masks are regularly used in dentistry to protect mucous membranes of the mouth and nose from droplet spatter, but they do not provide complete protection against inhalation of airborne infectious agents. The availability and ability of the employer to implement controls to protect workers from exposure to sources of SARS-CoV-2.Note that while OSHA’s occupational risk pyramid includes the performance of aerosol-generating procedures on known or suspected COVID-19 patients in the “very high risk” category, performing such procedures on patients with unknown SARS-CoV-2 infection status is still a very high risk activity in areas with ongoing community spread. Performing or being present for aerosol-generating procedures performed on patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, even if the patient is not experiencing signs and/or symptoms of COVID-19, is a very high risk activity. The practice of dentistry frequently involves the use of instruments such as dental turbines, micro-motor or rotary hand pieces, ultrasonic scalers, and air-water syringes that create sprays containing droplets of water, saliva, blood, microorganisms, and other body fluids, particulates, and debris, all of which can contribute to the generation of aerosolized droplets and thus the transmission of SARS-COV-2. The risk to dental practitioners and support staff of being exposed to sources of SARS-CoV-2, including suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases and people who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 but do not have signs and/or symptoms of COVID-19 (but who can spread the virus to others without knowing it).The phase of reopening the community in which the dental practice is located has entered. ![]() ![]() The level of ongoing community transmission of COVID-19 in that community.In making decisions about when, where, and how to reopen dental practices and return to pre-pandemic operations, employers should consider: As states or regions satisfy the gating criteria to progress through the phases of the Guidelines for Opening up America Again, you will be able to adapt this guidance, along with the general recommendations in OSHA’s Guidance on Returning to Work, to better suit evolving risk levels and necessary control measures in your workplaces.įor the most up-to-date information on OSHA’s guidance see Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace. Remain aware of changing outbreak conditions, including the spread of the virus and testing availability in your community, and update hazard assessments and implement infection prevention measures accordingly. This guidance supplements the general interim guidance for workers and employers of workers at increased risk of occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2. This section provides guidance for dentistry workers and employers. ![]() In addition, the Act's General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1), requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. ![]() The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. The recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content, and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. It contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. This guidance is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. ![]()
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