Making – and keeping – a dental office a safe place for patients and staff is something we all need to be part of.
While employers have responsibilities to provide a safe workplace, employees have responsibilities too. Everyone needs to work together to ensure each other’s safety.
As an employee, you need to know about your workplace’s safety policies and procedures. Review them as often as you need to so you’re familiar with them and can comply with them. You also need to be aware of the laws and rules in place to both guide and protect you.
As a professional, you must understand the obligations and limitations of your role. You are responsible to make informed decisions about your practice based on your education, your competencies, the current standard of care and the Standards of Practice. If you’re unclear about whether you should/ shouldn’t do something, or how to do it safely, inform yourself before choosing your action.
To get you started, we’ve put together a list of resources at Legislation, Regulation & Other Resources. It includes topics like occupational health and safety, radiation protection, infection prevention and control, and practice guidelines. You may find one or more of them helpful depending on your specific concern.
Keeping patients safe is the joint responsibility of all regulated oral health care professionals. You, along with your employer and other dental team members, are responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy workplace in all areas of practice, and for everyone present.