What Are OSHA Violations in Orthodontics?

Why Orthodontic OSHA Violations Happen and What You Can Do About It

Key Takeaways

• OSHA violations in orthodontic practices often stem from missing documentation, improper training, or outdated safety protocols.
• A citation is the formal notice OSHA issues when a violation is found, and it may or may not include a fine.
• Common violations include lack of bloodborne pathogens training, missing exposure control plans, and mishandling sharps or chemicals.
• Every OSHA citation includes a correction deadline, and repeated violations within five years can lead to increased penalties. ‍
• Gaidge 360 Consultant Andrea Cook helps orthodontic teams identify compliance gaps and implement systems that support ongoing OSHA readiness.

An orthodontic OSHA violation occurs when a practice or team member knowingly or unknowingly overlooks a workplace safety requirement. These violations don’t always involve an incident; they can also be identified during routine OSHA inspections. Depending on the type and severity, the result may be a citation, a fine, or both.

In this post, I’m sharing what every orthodontic team should know about OSHA violations: how citations work, which issues come up most often, and how to prevent them.

OSHA Violations vs. Citations

An OSHA violation is a failure to follow workplace safety regulations. A citation is the formal notice OSHA issues when a violation is found.

Citations often come with fines, but not always. Some may be issued without any monetary penalty. All OSHA citations are public record and can be found on OSHA’s website, along with details of every inspection, even when no fines are involved.

Each citation includes a deadline to correct the issue. If the same or a similar violation occurs again within five years, it’s classified as a repeat citation and is recorded on the company’s safety record.

Top 10 OSHA Violations in Orthodontics and How to Avoid Them

1. Failure to Provide Appropriate OSHA Training

Orthodontic offices often fail to provide adequate training, including bloodborne pathogens and hazard communication training. Training is essential for ensuring staff understand potential risks and safety protocols.

How to Avoid: Schedule annual training sessions and document employee participation. Bloodborne pathogens training is required every 365 days. Hazard communication is required annually in some states. Be sure to document training attendance and topics covered.

2. Not Having an Exposure Control Plan

The exposure control plan is a required document that outlines how the practice protects employees from bloodborne pathogens. This is an essential document that must be updated annually and made readily available for employees to view.

How to Avoid: Create and maintain a detailed exposure control plan, review it annually, and train employees on its location and contents.

3. Mishandling Exposure Incidents

Failure to properly manage incidents of exposure to infectious materials can result in serious health risks to employees, as well as regulatory action.

How to Avoid: Establish clear protocols for handling exposure incidents, including immediate reporting, evaluation, and follow-up procedures. Select a post-exposure clinic for employees ahead of time.

4. Missing Hepatitis B Vaccination Records

OSHA mandates that employers provide employees who could be exposed to bloodborne pathogens with the hepatitis B vaccination free of charge.

How to Avoid: Keep accurate records of employee vaccination status and offer the vaccine to all eligible staff at no cost. If an employee declines the vaccine, document their declination by having the employee sign Appendix A of the bloodborne pathogens standard.

5. Not Having a Hazard Communication Program

The hazard communication program is a required document that explains how employees are informed of and protected from hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

How to Avoid: Develop a written hazard communication plan, maintain an inventory of hazardous chemicals, and provide training to all employees.

6. Missing Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Safety Data Sheets provide critical information about hazardous chemicals and must be accessible to all employees.

How to Avoid: Ensure that SDS for all chemicals used in the office are available in a centralized location and updated as needed.

7. Not Labeling Secondary Containers

It’s the responsibility of the practice to label any secondary containers of chemicals. For example, if you pour isopropyl alcohol from its original container into a smaller bottle, you must label the smaller bottle.

How to Avoid: Label all secondary containers with the name of the product (ensure that this matches the name on the SDS) and the hazards of the product.

8. Mishandling Sharps

Improper sharps handling, such as overfilled sharps containers or transporting sharps in inappropriate containers, can lead to injuries.

How to Avoid: Regularly empty sharps containers before they become overfilled and ensure that contaminated sharps are transported in containers that are leak-proof and puncture-proof on all sides.

9. Lack of Eye Protection Protocol

Safety glasses must be worn when performing tasks that could cause splash, spatter, flying debris, or other hazards affecting the eyes.

How to Avoid: Require all employees to wear safety glasses during procedures and provide comfortable, ANSI-compliant options.

10. Not Using Utility Gloves

Utility gloves must be worn when handling contaminated sharps and when handling certain chemicals.

How to Avoid: Provide durable utility gloves and train staff on their proper use for cleaning and disinfection tasks.

Improve Orthodontic OSHA Compliance with Expert Guidance

OSHA compliance is essential to the daily function and safety of your orthodontic practice. But without clear systems and regular check-ins, teams often miss important requirements. Understanding where gaps exist is the first step toward improving your protocols.

That’s where I can help. I offer OSHA and CDC compliance audits to help orthodontic teams identify what’s missing and put the right systems in place. Through in-office, hands-on training, I work with your team to build confidence, improve efficiency, and reinforce the habits that keep your protocols sharp every day.

Don’t wait for a citation to find out what’s missing. Reach out and let’s make sure your systems meet the standard your team deserves.

Orthodontic OSHA Compliance FAQs

When does OSHA training need to be completed for new orthodontic staff?
OSHA requires that new hires receive safety training within 10 days of starting work in an orthodontic practice.

Do orthodontic practices need to train administrative staff on OSHA protocols?
Yes. Any staff member who may be exposed to workplace hazards—including front desk and billing staff—must receive appropriate OSHA training.

What happens if an orthodontic practice fails an OSHA inspection?
Practices may receive a citation, which could include a fine. They are also required to correct the issue by a set deadline and may face follow-up inspections.

Can online OSHA training meet orthodontic compliance requirements?
Yes, as long as it is interactive, covers all required topics, and includes documentation of employee understanding and participation.

How can Gaidge 360 Consulting support OSHA compliance and overall practice efficiency?
Gaidge 360 Consulting offers in-office audits, team training, and systems implementation to close compliance gaps and streamline daily workflows. Andrea Cook, along with other experienced consultants, helps practices apply OSHA standards consistently and run a more organized clinic.

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About the Author

Andrea Cook is a clinical consultant and trainer with over 20 years of experience in orthodontics. Her in-office coaching helps practices improve efficiency, strengthen communication, and reduce daily stress.

With a background as a chairside assistant and clinical coordinator in high-volume practices, Andrea understands the challenges orthodontic teams face. She provides guidance on OSHA compliance, sterilization systems, scheduling, and staff training to help practices run more smoothly.

As part of the Gaidge 360 Consulting team, she works with offices across the country to refine protocols and support long-term growth.