Holiday Greetings and Year-End Compliance Tips for Your Dental Practice

Holiday Greetings and Office Maintenance Reminders from Dr. Young 

Hello everyone, and happy holidays! Dr. Young here, sending warm seasonal greetings and a friendly reminder to keep your office in top shape as the year winds down. Now is the perfect time to check expiration dates and review compliance measures to ensure your practice runs smoothly and stays out of trouble. 

Check Expiration Dates on Office Essentials 

Recently, I worked with a client who had a routine Texas State Board of Dental Examiners office visit, only to discover his AED pads were expired—yikes! This serves as a great reminder that it’s not just drugs that need attention. Be sure to inspect items like:  

  • IV bags and fluids 
  • Defibrillator pads (AED pads) 

Just like dental equipment needs preventative maintenance, AEDs, and other medical devices should be inspected regularly by a biomedical technician, as the manufacturer recommends. 

Review Your Office Paperwork 

While at it, revisit all your paperwork to ensure it aligns with the latest recommendations from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. These guidelines can change, sometimes adding elements like temperature or pain scores. Keeping your documentation up to date is key to staying compliant. 

Update Your Policies and Procedures 

Lastly, remember your policies and procedures! They should be reviewed and updated annually, with the revision date printed on the document. This keeps you compliant and shows the board that you’re maintaining high standards. 

For instance, if you’ve expanded your office, this may require policy updates, such as adjustments to escape routes, fire extinguisher placements, or AED locations. These small changes can significantly impact compliance and safety. 

Remain Ahead of the Game 

I aim to help you avoid uncomfortable situations and keep your practice running smoothly. Taking these proactive steps now will save you time and stress later. 

PS: Is Your Sedation Endorsement Current? 

Remember to check the expiration date on your license and sedation endorsement. If it’s time to renew, visit DSTAReducation to find a course that meets your needs. 

Happy holidays, and here’s to a safe and prosperous year ahead!