Chapter 22 REGULATORY AND ADVISORY AGENCIES

Introduction 2

 Recommendations are made by individuals, groups, or agencies that are advisory and have no authority with regard to enforcement  Regulations are made by groups or agencies that do have the authority to enforce compliance with the regulations  Enforcement penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or suspension or revocation of licenses  Recommendations may be made by anyone, but regulations are made by governmental groups or licensing boards in towns, cities, counties, and states 3

Associations and Organizations  Professional organizations are a valuable resource for current infection control and other professional information  Many dental professionals choose to become members of their professional organizations 4

American Dental Association (ADA)  The ADA is the professional organization for dentists  The ADA periodically updates its infection control recommendations as new scientific information becomes available 5

American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)  The oldest, largest group that represents professional dental assistants  Its members include clinical personnel who work chairside with the dentist, as well as the receptionist, the office manager, and those working behind the scenes in dental product sales, insurance, and education 6

American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA)  The national professional organization for dental hygienists  Provides its members with professional support, educational programs, and opportunities to participate in the organization 7

Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP)  A not-for-profit organization composed of dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, government representatives, dental manufacturers, university professors, researchers, and dental consultants  This organization is an excellent resource for information on infection control, injury prevention, and occupational health issues 8

State and Local Dental Societies  State and local dental societies can help you comply with regulatory issues in your specific area  National, state, and local dental-assisting societies can often answer questions and provide opportunities for continuing dental education 9

Government Agencies  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  Food and Drug Administration  Environmental Protection Agency  Occupational Safety and Health Administration  National Institutes of Health  National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 10

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  Recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people at home and abroad  Bases its public health recommendations on the highest- quality scientific data  Infection control procedures practiced in dentistry today are based on the Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, issued by the CDC  Guidelines contain an Oral Health Services section that concerns oral diseases, fluoride application, and infection control in dentistry  The CDC does not have the authority to make laws, but many local, state, and federal agencies use CDC recommendations to formulate laws 11

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  Regulatory agency that is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The FDA regulates the manufacture and labeling of medical devices. It also regulates antimicrobial hand-washing products and mouth rinses. 12

Overview of a Dental Operatory 13

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  Regulatory agency that ensures the safety and effectiveness of disinfectants  Manufacturers of disinfectants must submit information about the safety and effectiveness of the product  If the claims meet the EPA criteria, the product receives an EPA registration number that must appear on the product label  The EPA regulates discharge and final treatment of waste materials (e.g., chemicals), as well as medical waste after it leaves the dental office 14

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)  Regulatory agency that protects workers against physical, chemical, and infectious hazards in the workplace  It establishes protective standards, enforces those standards, and offers technical assistance and consultation programs  OSHA is a federal agency, but 22 states administer their own state-operated OSHA programs  In states that administer their own OSHA programs, the state standards must be equivalent to or more stringent than those of the federal agency 15

National Institutes of Health (NIH)  Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  The primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research  Many important health and medical discoveries of the last century resulted from research supported by the NIH  Translates research results into practice and communicates research findings to patients and their families, healthcare providers, and the general public 16

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)  The dental research institute of the NIH  Its mission is to promote the general health of the American people by improving their oral, dental, and craniofacial health  Through research and the training of researchers, the NIDCR promotes health, prevents diseases and pathologic conditions, and develops new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques 17

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)  NIOSH does not have regulatory authority  It is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related disease and injury  NIOSH makes recommendations and disseminates information on preventing workplace disease, injury, and disability  It provides training to professionals in the field of occupational safety and health 18