Infection Control, Occupational Safety, and Patient Recordkeeping
Infection control and worker safety
Board rules require dental practices to follow current CDC infection-prevention recommendations and the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). Practical compliance means a written exposure control plan, hepatitis B vaccination offered at no cost, gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns, engineering controls such as sharps containers, safe instrument recapping, and immediate post-exposure evaluation. Sterilization must be monitored, including biological spore testing of heat sterilizers on a regular schedule, with results logged and autoclave failures acted on. Waterlines and suction lines need the manufacturer's maintenance protocol; hand hygiene and surface barriers are not optional shortcuts.
Records
Patient records must show the medical history, clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment provided, anesthesia used, radiographs, informed consent, medications, and referrals. Records belong to the practice but patients have a right of access; Minnesota's health records statute and HIPAA govern release, and state law may be stricter than federal law. Keep records for the retention period required by rule and never alter them after a complaint - late entries must be dated and identified as additions.
Worked example
A patient requests copies of her charts and bitewings. The front desk says the dentist "doesn't release films." That is wrong: the patient is entitled to copies, and the practice may charge permitted copying costs while releasing them promptly.
Traps
- Assuming HIPAA preempts stricter Minnesota confidentiality rules.
- Missing documentation of spore testing and exposure incidents.
- Discarding records early or "tidying up" a chart after a bad outcome.