The United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements are federal regulations and are found in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations and are enforced by law. There are also OSHA Standards Related to Dentistry.

The ADA has developed resources to help dental practitioners remain compliant under OSHA standards: ADA Oral Health Topics.

Overview

Employers have responsibilities for the occupational safety of their employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has the mission to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.

Dental professionals may be at risk for exposure to numerous workplace hazards. These hazards include, but are not limited to, the spectrum of bloodborne pathogens, pharmaceuticals and other chemical agents, human factors, ergonomic hazards, noise, vibration, and workplace violence.

When there is no standard, the Agency may use OSHA's "General Duty Clause" to guide regulatory enforcement for occupational exposures. The following drop downs address many of the OSHA compliance issues that a dental practitioner might face, as well as other issues that may not be covered by OSHA, but that may be regulated by state or local laws or fall under other federal agency guidelines and recommendations.

It is the employer's responsibility to provide employees with OSHA training at the time of initial assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may take place and at least annually thereafter.

Click an option below to view those OSHA standards.

Resources