In no particular order, here is our list of the 22 most common CDC violations seen in dental offices.

• Improper management and disposal of Biohazardous Waste Materials
• Improper biological monitoring of sterilizers
• Improper Disposal of Sharp Implements
• Improper Hand Hygiene
• Lack of Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Lack of written Exposure Control Plan
• Lack of written Protocol for Instrument Processing & Sterilization
• Lack of verification of office staff vaccination for Hepatitis B Vaccine
• Inability to verify dental instruments are sterile
• Improper storage of dental instruments
• Improper flushing of dental water lines
• Continued use of single use disposables
• Cross-contamination in the operatory , sterilization area, and/or dental laboratory
• Improper operatory sanitation
• Failure to properly sterilize dental handpieces
• Improper instrument debridement
• Failure to disinfect impressions
• Failure to use sterile gloves when providing surgical services
• Failure to use Heavy Utility Gloves when handling handling contaminated instruments
• Failure to separate sterile and non-sterile areas in sterilization area
• Co-mingling of dental materials and food products in refrigerator
• Failure to maintain up-to-date Material Safety Data Sheets