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OSHA Dental Training

Dentists, dental assistants and hygienists get up close and personal with patients. This close proximity places the dental staff and the patient at risk for airborne and blood-borne diseases. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires training for dentists and their employees as a safeguard against biological, physical and other hazards.

  1. OSHA Training Requirements

    • OSHA training requirements for employees in the dentistry industry are covered in the general industry standards. These standards include training in blood-borne pathogens; hazard communication; sanitation; hand protection; personal protective equipment; eye and face protection; maintenance, safeguards and operational features for exit routes; hand-powered tools and equipment; and medical services and first aid. OSHA lists dentists, dental assistants and hygienists in the occupations covered by the general industry standards. These employees must receive OSHA training at the time they are hired. They must take refresher courses once every year.

    OSHA Manuals

    • The Regulatory Compliance Manual from the American Dental Association or the official OSHA manual is a good precursor to official training. A manual that is filled in with specific information regarding the dental office meets OSHA's requirements for written plans. These plans detail the actions dental employees should take in the event of exposure to blood-borne pathogens or another emergency. Employees should review the manual before training and occasionally throughout the year.

    Blood-borne Pathogen Training

    • Blood-borne pathogen training covers a number of topics relevant to persons subject to possible exposure. Training should include OSHA's Blood-borne Pathogen Standard; the symptoms and epidemiology of blood-borne illnesses; and the transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Other topics include procedures in the event accidental exposure occurs; information on hepatitis B; the proper use, handling and disposal of contaminated materials; and the proper way to engage in tasks that pose a risk of blood exposure.

    Training

    • OSHA.gov provides a list of training resources for employers and employees on its Training Resources page. OSHA recommends reviewing its training and reference materials and downloading the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Outreach-Trainer Presentation. OSHA's site features downloadable training materials in a number of areas important to dentists and their staff including a slide presentation on Blood-borne Pathogens. OSHA also offers training through the OSHA Training Institute and OTI Education Centers.

    Online Training

    • OSHA General Industry online training is offered by OSHA and a number of private companies. OSHA Safety Training Online offers a 10-hour general industry course that covers the topics OSHA enforcement and record keeping, emergency action plans, hazardous materials and safety and health programs. Other online companies offer similar course content.

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