Will your practice be in compliance in 2020? Multiple state and federal agencies are charged with regulating dental practices, and it can seem challenging to stay ahead of regulatory compliance processes. As you shop and prepare for the year ahead, it’s critical to be informed of environmental regulations that impact your practice.
A 2017 mandate by the Environmental Protection Agency specified pretreatment standards for discharges into publicly owned treatment works, which means that most dental practices nationwide are required to control amalgam waste through the use of ISO-certified amalgam separators by July 14, 2020. New dental facilities that started operations after July 14, 2017, were required to comply immediately.
If your practice still needs to purchase or install an amalgam separator, here are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Adding the cost of a separator and scrap disposal services to your budget
- Choosing a model that’s easy to install without the aid of a technician
- Determining the right capacity/quantity for your number of chairs
- Ensuring the separator meets or exceeds the ISO efficiency standard
- Securing a convenient service to recycle the scrap that’s not collected
- Ensuring proper recordkeeping for disposal, recycling and monthly checks
While the checklist can appear complex, dental association members may be able to simplify the compliance process while also reducing overhead costs. One option is to bundle the purchase of an amalgam separator and recycling services through a single, trusted source. Check to see if your association endorses a vetted vendor for separators and services.
Amalgam waste is just one of many areas of compliance for which members can find support and savings. Take waterlines, for example. The CDC recommends that dental unit water used in nonsurgical procedures measure less than or equal to 500 colony forming units of heterotrophic bacteria per milliliter (≤500 CFU/mL) of water, the standard set for drinking water by the EPA. So, it’s essential to clean dental unit waterlines according to manufacturers’ guidance and monitor water quality according to the recommended schedules. Through TDSC.com, members benefit from up to 21% average savings* and free shipping on waterline cleaning, filtering and testing kits from trusted brands like Sterisil and ProEdge Dental Water Labs.
Stock up now for 2020.
Know that there are resources and experts to help members of organized dentistry comply with environmental regulations. Don’t delay in investing in the items that can ensure your practice stays ahead of EPA regulations. Explore, compare and save on supplies and small equipment at TDSC.com. For assistance getting your practice set up to shop, call 888.253.1223 or email support@tdsc.com.
* Price comparisons are made to the manufacturer’s list price. Actual savings on tdsc.com will vary on a product-by-product basis.
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