Resources and Support
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) responsible for protecting and promoting public health by regulating and supervising food safety, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter medications, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, blood transfusions, radiation-emitting devices, veterinary products, and cosmetics. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have a specific division or agency solely dedicated to dentistry. However, the FDA regulates dental products and devices as part of its broader oversight of medical devices and healthcare products. The FDA regulates dental materials, dental instruments, dental equipment, dental implants, dental prosthetics. The FDA establishes and enforces regulatory requirements for dental products to ensure their safety, efficacy, and quality. Dental manufacturers must comply with FDA regulations, including pre-market clearance or approval requirements, quality system regulations, and post-market surveillance obligations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a leading national public health institute in the United States, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Established in 1946, the CDC is a federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) responsible for protecting public health and safety by preventing and controlling the spread of diseases, injuries, and other health threats. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not have a specific division or agency exclusively dedicated to dentistry. However, the CDC provides guidance and resources related to oral health and dental care through various programs and initiatives within its broader scope of public health activities. The CDC's Division of Oral Health (DOH) is primarily responsible for promoting oral health and preventing oral diseases at the population level. The DOH works to improve access to preventive dental services, promote community water fluoridation, and implement strategies to reduce disparities in oral health outcomes among different population groups.
- https://www.cdc.gov/
- https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/data-tools/index.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/communications_resources/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/training-resources.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/summary-infection-prevention-pr…
- https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/index.htm
Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP)
The Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention (OSAP) is a nonprofit association dedicated to promoting infection control and patient safety in dentistry. Founded in 1984, OSAP serves as a global leader in advancing best practices and standards for infection prevention and control in dental settings. OSAP plays a critical role in promoting a culture of safety and infection prevention in dentistry through education, advocacy, research, and collaboration. By empowering dental professionals with knowledge, resources, and support, OSAP contributes to enhancing the quality of dental care, protecting patients and healthcare workers, and reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
The Joint Commission (TJC)
The Joint Commission is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission's mission is to improve healthcare quality and patient safety by evaluating and accrediting healthcare organizations based on rigorous standards and performance measures. Healthcare organizations accredited by the Joint Commission include hospitals, ambulatory care centers, behavioral health facilities, nursing homes, home health agencies, and clinical laboratories. The accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the organization's compliance with standards related to patient care, clinical processes, safety protocols, leadership, and governance. The Joint Commission also provides education, training, and consulting services to help healthcare organizations improve their quality and safety performance. It collaborates with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop evidence-based guidelines, standards, and best practices for healthcare delivery.
- https://www.jointcommission.org/
- https://www.jointcommission.org/our-priorities/health-care-equity/accreditation…
- https://www.jointcommission.org/our-priorities/health-care-equity/certification…
- https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/patient-safety-topics/infection-preve…
- https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/patient-safety-topics/
