Environment & Radiation

<p>Amalgam separators, wastewater permits, regulated waste management, and radiation safety.</p>

SORT

California law requires use of lead or lead-equivalent aprons during dental X-rays

Recommendations to discontinue patient shielding are increasing, but, for now, dentists must continue to follow California regulation that requires patients be draped with a protective lead or lead-equivalent apron during dental radiography.

December 7, 2023 |2023, Environment & Radiation, News Articles, Regulatory Compliance

Radiation machine inspections in the dental office: What to expect, how to prepare

Dentists and X-ray machine registrants must properly document occupational exposure to radiation and maintain those records in anticipation of periodic inspections. In California, dental offices are to be inspected every five years and may be scheduled for an on-site inspection. 

September 12, 2023 |2023, Environment & Radiation, News Articles, Regulatory Compliance

Dental facilities must install amalgam separator by July 14 deadline

Most dental facilities that have not already installed an amalgam separator to comply with an Environmental Protection Agency rule must do so by July 14. The EPA rule, published in June 2017, requires dental facilities to collect all waste amalgam.

June 16, 2020 |2020, Endorsed Services, Environment & Radiation, News Articles, Regulatory Compliance

Protective aprons required during dental radiography

Some hospitals in the U.S. have stopped the practice of covering patients’ reproductive organs during radiographic examinations, but CDA reminds dentists that current state regulation requires that protective aprons be used during dental radiography. The move by hospitals follows an April 2019 recommendation by the American College of Radiology and other medical groups, Kaiser Health News reported last month.

January 30, 2020 |2020, Environment & Radiation, News Articles, Regulatory Compliance

Final EPA rule prohibits ‘sewering’ of pharmaceutical hazardous waste

Health care facilities that produce pharmaceutical hazardous waste are required to properly manage the disposal of that waste according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Among other provisions, the EPA’s finalized rule issued in July prohibits facilities from pouring pharmaceutical hazardous waste down sink drains or toilets, a practice known as “sewering.”

September 3, 2019 |2019, Environment & Radiation, News Articles, Regulatory Compliance

Resources can help practices get ahead of amalgam separator requirement

Most dental facilities that have not installed an amalgam separator to comply with a rule published in June 2017 by the Environmental Protection Agency must install an amalgam separator by July 14, 2020. CDA Practice Support’s resource “Amalgam Separator Requirement — Q&A” was recently updated to reflect recent developments and can assist members with compliance.

August 12, 2019 |2019, Environment & Radiation, News Articles, Regulatory Compliance

Proposition 65 notice requirement takes effect in August

No later than Aug. 30, 2018, dental practices that employ 10 or more employees must post at the entrance of the office the new Proposition 65 warning notice, unless the practice chooses instead to provide a warning with an informed consent form. The form must be signed by the patient prior to exposure to the chemicals regulated by Proposition 65.

August 8, 2018 |2013-2019, Environment & Radiation, News Articles, Regulatory Compliance