Dentistry
Introducing SafeLink360: One Platform, Real Expertise
Today, we’re officially launching SafeLink360, a compliance management platform that gives organizations a structured way to manage regulatory requirements from assessment through
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More Than a Manufacturer: Dental Labs and Patient Privacy
Dental laboratories have long operated at the intersection of clinical care and skilled manufacturing. What has been less clear for labs, for the practices they serve, and for regu
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FDA Establishment Registration: A Guide for Dental Laboratories
If you mill certain implant abutments in-house, manufacture sleep apnea or anti-snoring devices, or import finished devices from overseas, there's a good chance FDA's establishment
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Sound Advice: Protecting Your Hearing in the World of Dentistry Update
In the world of dental magic, the noise levels can be, well, less than magical. The high-pitched whine of handpieces, the hiss of compressed air, vacuum systems, model trimmers, an
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Beyond Decibels: How Workplace Chemicals Contribute to Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in the workplace isn't always caused by noise. A category of chemicals known as ototoxicants can also damage hearing, often without employees realizing they're at risk
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Why Dental Infection Control Requires a Proactive Approach
Don't Wait for the Complaint: Why Infection Control Requires a Proactive Approach For most dental practices and dental laboratories, infection control is something that happens eve
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Dental 3D Printing Compliance: Is Your Dental Practice at Risk?
Dental 3D printing has made chairside care faster, more precise, and more profitable. What most dentists don't realize is that the technology also brought four new sets of federal
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OSHA Hazard Communication Update: Has Your Workplace Kept Pace?
The first major compliance deadline under OSHA's revised Hazard Communication Standard has arrived. These hazard communication changes have the potential to impact your business.
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Fireworks Safety at Company Events: Risks Employers Should Know
For employer-sponsored events, fireworks safety is not just a holiday concern. It is a fire prevention, hazard control, and potential OSHA recordkeeping issue. Every summer, firewo
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Protecting Dental Team & Patients from Hazardous Chemical Exposures
Join the live webinar on July 15, 2026 Protecting the Dental Team and Patients from Hazardous Chemical Exposures and the Respirable and Contact Diseases Which May Result from Expos
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OSHA Compliance for Young Workers: What Employers Need to Know
Summer often brings an influx of younger workers into employer settings such as dental practices, dental laboratories, medical spas, wellness centers, medical clinics, and specialt
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Celebrate National Safety Month in June
Since 1996, the National Safety Council has recognized June as National Safety Month. This is a time to raise awareness and promote safe practices in all environments. At SafeLink,
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AI Implementation in Healthcare - Victory Vs. Vulnerability 2 Perspectives
CLINICAL + COMPLIANCE INSIGHT SERIES
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How to Develop a Lockout/Tagout Program
No matter the level of industry hazard, all general industry businesses must implement elements of Lockout Tagout if they apply to their business according to the OSHA Standards. {
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Elements of an Effective Electrical Safety Policy
Many businesses are not aware that OSHA requires a written Lockout/Tagout Program for electrical safety, which is why the absence of this program continues to be one of the OSHA mo
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SafeLink Appoints Matt Rahman as President & Managing Partner
We are proud to announce the appointment of Matt Rahman as President & Managing Partner of SafeLink Consulting. This strategic move reflects where this firm is headed and what our
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SafeLink Presents at Annual ADS Conference 2026
Join your dental infection prevention and safety peers and industry representatives for innovative learning at the 2026 ADS Annual Conference!
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SafeLink to Present HIPAA Seminar at NTFOS Event on April 17, 2026
SafeLink Consulting Featured at the 25th Annual NTFOS OSHA/HIPAA Seminar SafeLink Consulting is proud to be featured at the 25th Annual Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery (NTFOS)
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OSHA Releases Updated Job Safety & Health Workplace Poster: What Employers Need to Know
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released an updated Job Safety and Health Workplace Poster as part of its “OSHA Cares” initiative. The poster reminds w
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The Risk & Compliance Paradox: Why Dental & Healthcare Organizations Are Overtrained Yet Under-Supported
In the complex world of healthcare risk & compliance management, a troubling pattern has emerged across dental labs, dental practices, medical offices, and small health and wellnes
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NY & CA Advance Opioid Antagonist Requirements for First Aid Kits
New York and California have taken significant steps toward requiring opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, to be included in workplace first aid supplies, reflecting a broader eff
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HIPAA Enforcement Surges - The Importance of Security Risk Analysis
2025 - Record-Breaking Enforcement Year The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights (OCR) continues HIPAA enforcement actions, with settlements and pe
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Mary Bartlett Serves on ADS Dental Infection Prevention Committee
Mary Bartlett, Senior Vice President and Compliance Advisor for SafeLink Consulting, is pleased to be serving on the Membership Committee for the ADS - Association for Dental Safet
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Why Dental Labs Must Comply with HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules
Dental laboratories are an essential part of patient care—and with that role comes responsibility in meeting HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. Whether verifying patient shades or p
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Top 10 OSHA Most Frequently Cited Safety Violations FY2025
Every year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) releases its list of the most frequently cited workplace safety violations, highlighting critical areas where e
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SafeLink's Mary Bartlett Attends ADS Boot Camp in Atlanta, GA 2026
SafeLink Consulting's Mary Bartlett attended the ADS Boot Camp in Atlanta February 2 - 4, 2026. Dental professionals from around the world gathered for this event.
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SafeLink Joins Chicago Midwinter Women in Dentistry Breakfast
SafeLink’s Mary Bartlett and Julie Terry will be part of this year’s Chicago Midwinter Women in Dentistry Breakfast on February 19, 2026. For more than 10 years, this event has tak
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Reminder to Employers: Post and Submit OSHA Injury & Illness Data
OSHA requires many employers to complete, certify and post OSHA's Form 300A each year to summarize work-related injuries and illnesses. This reminder outlines who must post, where
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Update to OSHA Injury & Illness Tracking
OSHA's update expands submission requirements for certain employers in high-hazard industries. Continue reading to gain further insights into OSHA's Injury & Illness Tracking updat
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Year-End Checkup: Dental Workplace Health & Safety for Practices/Labs
As the year comes to a close, many organizations reflect on performance, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Alongside financial and operational results, workplace healt
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Year-End Reflections: Health & Safety for General Industry
As the year comes to a close, many organizations reflect on performance, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Alongside financial and operational results, workplace healt
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Take-Home Exposures on Street Clothes
OSHA requires employers to assess workplace hazards and determine how to eliminate or minimize them. Within the hierarchy of controls, personal protective equipment (PPE) is consid
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Keep Calm and Scrub On: The Importance of Hand Hygiene in Dentistry
Join us in celebrating Dental Infection Control Awareness Month - #DICAM25! Throughout this month, we will be exploring important infection control topics. Let's start off by discu
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Identifying and Assessing Hazards in the Workplace
After recently presenting a course on hazard identification and assessment, it struck me how many employers could benefit from revisiting this essential process. According to OSHA,
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ADS Institute for Dental Safety Advances Infection Control Leadership
Published July 22, 2025 | Updated: September 1, 2026 When the Association for Dental Safety (ADS, formerly OSAP) announced the creation of the ADS Institute for Dental Safety and S
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Respiratory Protection – Difference Between Mandatory and Voluntary
OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 applies to having a mandatory or a voluntary respiratory protection program. Employers must determine if either of those programs need to be a part of their
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The Forgotten Member Of The Dental Team - The Dental Lab
Missed the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) live event? Access the on-demand course recording here - The Forgotten Member Of The Dental Team - The Dental Lab. This live webinar
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Work Smarter, Not Harder: Ergonomic and Safety Tips
If you’ve ever ended a long day with a sore back, stiff shoulders, or cramped fingers, you’re not alone. Whether you're at a desk, in a production environment, or working chairside
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Fire Prevention in the Workplace - How to Use Fire Extinguishers
Are you prepared to handle Fire Emergencies in your workplace? Fires are probably more common than you may think. The NFPA reports that fire departments respond to a fire on averag
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Fire Prevention Awareness: Tips to Keep you from Getting Burned
October is Fire Prevention Awareness Month! The perfect time to stop, drop, and... rethink the fire safety protocols in your dental practice or lab.
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National Substance Abuse Prevention Month: Dental Pros Call to Action
October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of substance abuse and to promote prevention efforts within our communities. As den
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Be an Asset Rather Than a Risk as a Supplier or Subcontractor
It is not unusual today for a medical device manufacturer to outsource components of their production to third party subcontractors or suppliers. The subcontractor or supplier is r
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Enhance Trust in Your Supplier Management Process to Reduce Risk
Medical device manufacturers, including dental laboratories, must implement a supplier management process to comply with FDA's quality management system regulations. They must ensu
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Back to School - Back to Respiratory Illnesses
As the summer winds down and the school bells ring, children across the country are gearing up for a new academic year. However, along with the excitement of new classes, friends,
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Top Ten Quality Mistakes - Part Two
Learning from mistakes, whether our own or others', is a valuable way to improve. In this article, I aim to highlight the top ten quality mistakes often made by businesses and prov
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Top Ten Quality Mistakes - Part One
Since many of us seem to learn better from our own mistakes or the mistakes of others, I’d like to share with you some common top ten quality mistakes made by businesses and how yo
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New Requirements for Preventing Workplace Violence in California
Workplace safety is a critical concern for employees and employers alike. Recognizing the need for enhanced protections, California recently passed Senate Bill 553 (SB 553), which
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Why a Business Needs an Emergency Action Plan for Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is a serious concern for businesses across the United States, posing significant risks to employees' safety and well-being. While California's new Senate Bill 55
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The Environmental Hazards of Mercury from Dental Offices
Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, poses significant environmental and public health risks when released into the environment, and dental offices are a notable source of mercury polluti
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Workplace Violence: Tragedy Strikes at El Cajon Dental Office
A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded at a dental office in El Cajon, California, resulting in the loss of one life and injuries to two individuals. The shooter, a disgruntled former pa
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Delta Dental of California Faces Massive Data Breach
In a recent and alarming revelation, Delta Dental of California, a major player in the dental insurance sector, has fallen victim to a data breach affecting more than 6.9 million i
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Georgia Dental CE Requirements for Infection Control & Waterlines
Georgia's Infection Control CE Requirement Contaminated dental unit waterlines have caused documented infections in dental patients nationwide, including nearly 30 children in Geor
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Navigating the Surge in Respiratory Illnesses
As we step into the winter months, an alarming surge in respiratory illnesses are sweeping across the country, posing significant health challenges for communities. From the common
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SafeLink Consulting & Grand Avenue Present eQMS Dental FDA Compliance
SafeLink Consulting is pleased to announce its new strategic relationship with Grand Avenue Software, a leading provider of electronic quality management systems, or eQMS tools for
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Understanding the ADA Code of Ethics: A Guide for Dental Professionals
As dental pros, we have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and provide the best possible care to our patients. The American Dental Association (ADA
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Hand Protection: Hands Matter When Protecting Your Digits in Dentistry
The hand, with its intricate structure of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, is a crucial component in performing a wide range of tasks. Not only is healthy hand function impo
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Dental Unit Waterline Maintenance: OSHA, CDC & ADA Compliance Guide
Don't Overlook What's Running Through Your Waterlines Dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) don't get the same daily attention as sterilization or PPE, but contaminated waterlines have ca
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Eye Protection: Eyes on the Prize in Protecting your Peepers
Picture this: You're in a bustling dental practice or dental laboratory, surrounded by all the whirring gadgets and gizmos that make dentistry look like magic. As a dental and lab
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Sterilization Errors Made in Dentistry: A Lesson in Patient Safety
In the field of dentistry, patient safety is of utmost importance. Sterilization plays a critical role in preventing the spread of infections and ensuring the well-being of both pa
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Dental Infection Control Awareness Month
Published: September 2023 by Kellie Thimmes | Updated by Mary Bartlett: September 1, 2026 Every September, the dental community pauses to recognize Dental Infection Control Awarene
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Responding to a Chemical Spill - Are You Prepared?
Despite best efforts, chemical spills happen. When they do, it is important to take immediate action to ensure the safety of everyone in the facility. If handled properly, a spill
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Infection Control Breaches in Dentistry
Infection control breaches in dentistry are serious concerns that need to be addressed promptly. Dental professionals must be knowledgeable about and strictly adhere to infection c
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The Hidden Dangers of Dust in Dental Office & Lab
Dental laboratories play a crucial role in crafting custom dental appliances and prosthetics to improve patients' oral health. However, amid the precision and artistry lies an ofte
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Stopping Workplace Violence - No One Should be Afraid to Come to Work!
Caring for others should not increase your chances of workplace violence, yet somehow it does. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), health care wo
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SafeLink Consulting can help you confidently manage an OSHA inspection
With a 17% increase in budget and a 19% increase in OSHA inspectors, also known as compliance safety and health officers, it is safe to expect a significant increase in OSHA inspec
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6 Types of QMS Audits & Why Your Business Should Perform Them
What is a Quality Management System (QMS) Internal Audit and why is it so important? Understanding the purpose and accepting the value of a Quality Audit is vital for the effective
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The Value of Writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
The basis for all quality management systems is to establish standardized processes throughout the organization that produce consistent desired results. Virtually every responsibil
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How Workplace Safety Training Can Save Your Business Time & Money
When asking small business owners why they don’t fulfill OSHA training requirements the most common responses are that it (1) takes time away from employees' productivity, (2) it c
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Gary Morgan, CDT, CQA/ASQ Receives NADL Merit Award
Congratulations to Gary Morgan, CDT, CQA/ASQ, on being presented the NADL Merit Award for Outstanding Achievements at the 2023 NADL Vision 21 Meeting in Las Vegas. Gary was present
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OSHA's General Duty Clause Ups the Ante on Safety
The old idiom ignorance is bliss may be true in some circumstances, but not when it comes to ensuring the safety of your employees. Despite having strict safety policies in place a
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Guidelines for Equipment Safety in the Workplace
Injuries are common in the workplace, with the number of workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private sector companies in 2020 being 2.7 million.
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Measuring the Value of Safety Programs for your Business
Developing a written health and safety program just isn’t enough. For good business practices as well as being able to demonstrate to the Occupational Safety and Health Administrat
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Raising Hepatitis Awareness - How Employers Can Help
The month of May is designated as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the United States. Throughout the month, federal, state, and local public health partners work to shed light on the i
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Preparing and Securing the Workplace for Employee Safety
Why are workplace security measures so important? Because it keeps employees, equipment, and goods secure and safe. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires compa
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Reviewing Your Facility's FDA Registration
Has your business been registered with the FDA? Have you updated your registration for the new year?
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OSHA First Aid Requirements
In the event of an injury, are you complying with OSHA's requirement to provide a first aid kit, and to train an employee to render first aid? Most businesses do not understand how
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The Real Cost of a Workplace Safety Program and Its Hidden Value
Health and Safety programs tend to be one of the last programs businesses invest in during a major growth stage. Furthermore, for a management team in cost-savings mode, Health and
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National Preparedness Month - A Workplace Emergency Preparedness Guide
Every September, National Preparedness Month brings nationwide attention to a simple idea: prepare for emergencies before they happen. While hurricanes often receive the most atten
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Cal-OSHA Injury Illness Prevention Dental Practice or Lab Requirements
Cal-OSHA requires every employer in the state of California to establish, implement and maintain an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program. This Program should be in writi
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Ergonomics - How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD’s) continue to be at the top of the list for work-related injuries so it makes sense that MSD’s are the most frequently reported work-related causes
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4 Steps to Good Work Instructions in your Document Control System
Successful businesses have established standards to meet their customer’s needs and wants. It doesn’t matter if the business is service oriented or product producing. The quality o
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Tornado Preparedness In the Workplace
Preparedness is a continuous process of planning, equipping, training, and exercising — and severe weather should be part of that process year-round, not something you think about
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How to Create an Emergency Action Plan for Your Business: OSHA Guide
Updated: August 26, 2026 A fire alarm goes off. A chemical line ruptures. Severe weather rolls in with twenty minutes' notice. In the moment, your employees don't need a policy bin
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