Dental office compliance evaluation for the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and hazard communication program

Article Abstract:

Public concern about the dangers of immunodeficiency virus transmission from dentist to patient was heightened by a recent highly publicized case in Florida where a dentist allegedly infected six patients. To address the problem, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has finally issued its standard on blood-borne pathogens, which is intended to protect workers from contracting blood-borne diseases in the workplace. In Maryland, on-site inspections of private dental offices were made to ensure compliance with the OSHA standard. During each of 25 inspections in the metropolitan Baltimore area, 182 separate items were evaluated. The majority of dental offices inspected were observing the infection control practices that most concerned patients and staff. Those who were not in compliance attributed it to changing government standards, unfamiliarity with the complex system and the burden of paperwork involved in compliance.

Standards, Evaluation, Patient compliance, United States. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Dentist and patient, Dentist-patient relations, Pathogenic microorganisms

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Does the elimination of Medicaid reimbursement affect the frequency of emergency department dental visits?

Article Abstract:

Eliminating Medicaid reimbursement for emergency dental care in dental offices may result in increasing the percentage of visits for dental emergencies at hospitals. In February of 1993, Maryland revoked reimbursement to dentists for adults experiencing dental emergencies. Researchers analyzed data from emergency room visits before and after this change in policy at a Baltimore teaching hospital. Between July 1, 1991 and February 15, 1993, 3.6% of all adult emergency room visits were for dental emergencies. This rose to 4.1%, a 14% rise, in the period from February 16, 1993 to June 30, 1994. The rate of dental emergency visits increased by 22% among Medicaid recipients and by 10.5% among patients not receiving Medicaid. Based on Medicaid reimbursement schedules, the estimated cost of an emergency room visit for a dental emergency is $200 versus $17 for a tooth extraction in a private dental office.

Usage, Demographic aspects, Dental care, Dental care services, Medicaid, Dental emergencies

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Case reports: tooth erosion caused by chewing aspirin

Article Abstract:

Two cases of patients with damage to their tooth enamel and dentin to examine the effect of aspirin chewing is presented. The common factor in these cases was that the aspirin chewing caused tooth erosion, and suggests that dentist should be aware of it and advise their patients accordingly.

United States, Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical preparations, Aspirin, Aspirin Combinations, Complications and side effects, Diseases, Enamel, Dental, Dental enamel, Dentin

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