In the second of a two-issue series on dental practice safety and risk management, the September 2019 issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association features articles on infection control, X-ray exposure recommendations, medication safety, The Dental Patient Safety Foundation – an organization that gathers and publishes data on adverse incidents, and the Kaiser Permanente dental program’s comprehensive approach to quality and safety. The July 2019 Journal was the first in the series.

“This issue focuses on a continuous quality improvement system that tracks problems and incorporates changes to improve all aspects of safety in the dental office,” said Kerry K. Carney, DDS, editor-in-chief of the Journal.

“Dental Infection Control — It’s as Simple and Complex as That” discusses the implementation of a written safety program that incorporates regulations and guidelines for infection control to enhance the safety of patients and the dental team. “Dental X-ray Exposure: The Past Has Become the Future” reviews radiation safety and offers methods to better serve patients and reduce risks.

The article “Medication Safety: Reducing Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events in Dentistry” recommends problem-oriented prescribing and avoiding excessive medication use.

“Safety in Dentistry: The Dental Patient Safety Foundation” discusses the benefits of sharing information about medical errors to help providers avoid future mistakes.

Lastly, “Incorporating Safe Practices in the Dental Office: Lessons from the Kaiser Permanente Dental Program” details the structure and policies of a program that elevate the standards of quality and safety in the dental care setting.

The Journal is an award-winning peer-reviewed scientific publication that keeps dentists up to date about scientific advances, business management strategies and new products.About the California Dental Association

The California Dental Association is the non-profit organization representing organized dentistry in California. Founded in 1870, CDA is committed to the success of our members in service to their patients and the public. CDA also contributes to the oral health of Californians through various comprehensive programs and advocacy. CDA’s membership consists of more than 27,000 dentists, making it the largest constituent of the American Dental Association. For more information, visit cda.org.