Regulatory Compliance

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday dental practice operations – from diagnostic tools to patient communication and even hiring….

Employers must make available to employees this Cal/OSHA regulation on who can and how to access employee exposure and medical records. This copy is included in the Regulatory Compliance Manual as Appendix 2. Updated Sept 2019.

Tips for reducing employee exposure to air contaminants including formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde and nitrous oxide in order not to exceed Cal/OSHA permissible exposure levels.

An overview of the Cal/OSHA requirements for a dental practice to have an air compressor/tank permit.

Information on EPA rule requiring dental practices to install amalgam separators and comply with specific best management practices.  Includes a sample inspection and maintenance log.

A list of best practices and information resources on managing amalgam waste.

Know the questions to ask to determine whether vendors are putting your practice at risk.

The promotion of dental software using artificial intelligence seems overwhelming as vendors and others promote the benefits of their use. The benefit potential of artificial intelligence is high but so are the risks if users implement it without knowing its limitations and potential risks. The dental practitioner must be able to separate the hype from reality, be cognizant of applicable laws and regulations and be transparent with patients and employees when using artificial intelligence in clinical decision-making and procedures, along with administrative functions. This article highlights current laws and regulations and how they impact a dentist’s use of artificial intelligence. It will be reviewed and updated regularly.

Dental practices must post the revised Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) Minimum Wage Poster, no smaller than 11 inches by 17 inches, as well as the revised Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Poster.

State requirements for a business that acquires an automated external defibrillator for use on the public.

An overview of dental practice responsibilities under Americans with Disabilities Act and state disability laws. 

Dental practices must have a copy of this regulation to provide to employees upon request. Updated June 2024.

Compliance requirements for preventing transmission of aerosol transmissible diseases (ATDs) at health care facilities. 

A summary of the pathways to obtain a California dental license, the first of many licenses, permits, certificates and registrations necessary to practice dentistry, as well as to own and operate a dental practice, in the state.

Summarizes portions of the Dental Practice Act in effect as of Jan. 1, 2025 and organizes information in alphabetical order by subject. Citations are provided to appropriate California laws and regulations.

California law designates certain individuals as "mandated reporters” for known or suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder and dependent adult and incidents of violence. Dentists, and many members of the dental team, are required to acknowledge their responsibility and make reports as well as consider training for their teams.

Outlines laws, provides links & other useful resources. California has many laws aimed at protecting the personal and confidential information of its residents.

A checklist of actions a dental practice must take after an employee is exposed to blood or OPIM.  Updated June 2024.

Use form to document patient’s decision. The form is part of the Regulatory Compliance Manual. Updated June 2024.

Sample form to obtain patient consent for use or disclosure of patient information as required by HIPAA and state law.

Document prescriber’s discussion with a minor and guardian on opioid risks prior to prescribing the medication in non-emergency circumstances.

This is a summary and FAQ of the Dental Board’s CE requirements as of Jan. 1, 2025. A CE tracking log also is available. To determine if a CE provider is registered with the Dental Board, use the Department of Consumer Affairs database.

A credit card company may request information when a patient disputes a charge to a dental practice. Use these resources to respond to the company.

Steps to follow when your dental practice experiences a cyber incident that impacts your ability to access patient information.

Learn what cybersecurity practices your dental practice should have by reviewing resources from these government agency websites.

The Cybersecurity Toolkit equips dental practices with essential support to prepare for, respond to and recover from cyberattacks. It includes practical checklists, response plans and step-by-step expert guidance to help safeguard patient data and keep your practice up and running.