🛑 1. Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) in Dentistry
✅ What Is Regulated Medical Waste in Dental Offices?
Sharps (needles, anesthetic carpules, blades, endo files)
Blood-saturated gauze or surgical drapes
Extracted teeth with visible blood
Suction traps or tubing contaminated with OPIM
📜 Key Regulatory Bodies:
OSHA – Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
EPA and DOT – Packaging and transportation
State environmental and health departments
🧰 How PureWay Helps:
Sharps Mail-Back Systems – DOT-authorized for USPS under UN3291 – Prepaid, pre-labeled containers – Easy for general and specialty dental offices
Pickup Services – For higher-volume offices or DSOs with multiple locations
Sharps & RMW Containers – OSHA-compliant, puncture-resistant containers
Staff Training & Exposure Control Plans – Meets OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard requirements – Online training with certification tracking
🔗 Useful Links
💊 2. Pharmaceutical Waste in Dental Practices
✅ Examples of Dental Pharmaceutical Waste:
Expired local anesthetics
Unused sedatives or controlled substances (e.g., benzodiazepines)
Non-controlled antibiotics or pain relievers
Topical agents (e.g., fluoride varnish with hazardous solvents)
📜 Key Regulatory Bodies:
DEA – Controlled substances (21 CFR Part 1300+)
EPA – Hazardous waste (RCRA Subpart P)
State pharmacy boards and dental boards
🧰 How PureWay Helps:
Pharmaceutical Waste Mail-Back Systems – For expired, non-controlled pharmaceuticals
Hazardous Pharmaceutical Disposal – Pickup and profiling for EPA-listed agents
DEA-Compliant Controlled Substance Destruction – On-site neutralization kits – Lockable kiosks to meet DEA disposal rule requirements
🔗 Useful Links
📘 Helpful Blog: "Dental Clinical Waste Disposal"
☣️ 3. Amalgam Waste & Other Hazardous Waste
✅ Amalgam & Chemical Waste in Dentistry:
Used or scrap amalgam
Amalgam traps and separator filters
X-ray fixer, developer, and lead foils
Disinfectants, solvents, and chemical sterilants
📜 Regulatory Requirements:
EPA Dental Amalgam Rule (40 CFR Part 441) – Requires amalgam separators and proper disposal
RCRA – Hazardous waste regulations
State/local rules on mercury and chemical waste handling
🧰 How PureWay Helps:
Amalgam Waste Mail-Back Systems – Includes chairside traps, separator filters, contact amalgam – Fully compliant with EPA’s dental amalgam rule
X-Ray Chemical Disposal – Mail-back or pickup options for fixer and developer
Universal Waste Programs – For batteries, bulbs, electronics, and lead waste
🔗 Useful Links
📘 Helpful Blog: EPA Standards for Dental Amalgam Waste
🧑🏫 4. OSHA & Staff Safety Training
✅ Required OSHA Training for Dental Teams:
Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP)
Hazard Communication (HazCom)
Sharps safety and PPE protocols
🧰 PureWay Compliance Training Services:
Online training for all staff
Certification management dashboard
OSHA-ready documentation (Exposure Control Plan templates, safety posters, etc.)
🔗 Useful Links
📦 PureWay Product Categories for Dental Facilities
Category | Examples |
Sharps Disposal | Mail-back kits, countertop containers |
Medical Waste Disposal | Red bag systems, DOT-compliant bulk containers |
Pharmaceutical Waste | Expired medication mail-back kits |
Controlled Substances | DEA-compliant drug destruction kits and kiosks |
OSHA Compliance Training | BBP, HazCom, exposure plan tools |
Amalgam & X-Ray Waste | Amalgam trap kits, separator filters, fixer mail-back |
Universal Waste | Battery, bulb, and e-waste return kits |
🗺️ State-Specific Dental Waste Regulations
Dental offices must comply with state-specific rules that can differ in:
Waste storage limits
Sharps container types
Amalgam disposal methods
Controlled drug disposal
🔗 Useful Links
🏁 Getting Started with PureWay
Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a dental service organization (DSO), PureWay can help you manage compliance across every waste stream with cost-effective, easy-to-use solutions.
🔗 Useful Links:
⚠️ FINAL DISCLAIMER:
The information in this guide is for general educational purposes only.
Regulatory requirements for waste disposal vary by state and locality.
Dental facilities must consult with appropriate state, local, and federal agencies to ensure full compliance.
This guide is not legal advice and does not guarantee regulatory compliance.
PureWay Compliance, Inc. is not responsible for actions taken based on the information provided herein.