Infection Control, Ethics, and Professional Conduct
Infection control
Maine dental practices must follow CDC infection-control guidance and OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard. Core elements include a written exposure control plan, hepatitis B vaccination offer, annual bloodborne pathogen training, PPE, hand hygiene, safe sharps handling, surface barriers, and sterilization monitoring. Sterilizers should be monitored with biological indicators at the required interval, and records must be retained. Post-exposure evaluation and confidentiality are required.
Ethics and professional conduct
The Board enforces informed consent, confidentiality, accurate records, scope limits, and non-abandonment. Hygienists must report suspected unlicensed practice or impairment under the Board's reporting rules, cooperate with investigations, and avoid misleading advertising. Patient records belong to the practice, but patients are entitled to copies under Maine law and HIPAA.
Worked example
A patient refuses radiographs but wants a prophylaxis. The hygienist should explain the risk, document the informed refusal, provide the service within the standard of care if safe, and note the limited assessment. The hygienist should not alter the chart to imply radiographs were taken or dismiss the patient without notice and transfer options.
Traps
OSHA compliance does not equal Board compliance; the Board can discipline for infection-control failures even without an OSHA citation. Confidentiality obligations survive employment changes. Do not destroy or alter records after a complaint-spoliation is separate misconduct.