OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Dental Offices: Who Needs It, How Often, and What to Keep
Who needs it
Anyone whose job could bring them into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials, including saliva in dental procedures. In a dental office that usually means dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and sterilization staff. Front desk staff who never handle instruments or clean operatories usually don’t, but anyone who sometimes helps in the back does.
The federal rule is OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). In California, Cal/OSHA’s own standard (Title 8, section 5193) applies and sets the same training timing.
How often
| When | Who |
|---|---|
| At first assignment to tasks with possible exposure, before they start that work | Every employee with occupational exposure |
| At least once a year, within one year of their last training | Every employee with occupational exposure |
| When tasks or procedures change in a way that affects exposure | Staff affected, on the change |
Training must be free to the employee and given during working hours.
What it must cover
The standard lists the minimum topics. In plain terms:
- A copy of the standard and an explanation of it.
- How bloodborne diseases spread and their symptoms.
- Your office’s exposure control plan and how to get a copy.
- Which tasks may involve exposure.
- Engineering controls, safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE): what they do and their limits.
- The hepatitis B vaccine, offered free.
- What to do in an emergency and after an exposure incident, including medical follow-up.
- Signs, labels and color coding.
- A chance to ask questions and get answers from the person running the training.
Can it be done online?
Yes, with one condition. Both standards require a chance for interactive questions and answers with the trainer. OSHA has said online training meets this only if a qualified trainer is available to answer questions at the time they come up. Your office should also walk new staff through its own exposure control plan, because no online course knows where your sharps containers or eyewash station are.
Records you must keep
| Record | Keep for |
|---|---|
| Training records: dates, topics, trainer’s name and qualifications, attendees’ names and job titles | 3 years from the training date |
| Sharps Injury Log (California): each exposure from a sharp, recorded within 14 working days | 5 years from the incident |
| Exposure control plan | Review and update at least once a year |
Our OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens program covers every required topic in 6 short lessons (about 50 minutes), in English or Spanish. Learners can send a question to our trainers from any lesson or call (916) 770-4050, and each person who passes gets a dated, verifiable certificate. $25 a person a year, or included in the Complete plan. It is a certificate of completion, not continuing-education (CE) credit.
Bloodborne Pathogens trainingRenewal chart for every programCommon questions
How often is bloodborne pathogens training required?
When an employee is first assigned to tasks with possible exposure, then at least once a year, within one year of their last training.
Does the front desk need bloodborne pathogens training?
Only if their job could bring them into contact with blood or saliva, for example if they sometimes help clean operatories or handle instruments.
Can bloodborne pathogens training be done online?
Yes, if a qualified trainer is available to answer questions when they come up, and the office also walks staff through its own exposure control plan.
How long must bloodborne pathogens training records be kept?
Three years from the date of training. In California, the Sharps Injury Log is kept for five years.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Sources: OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1030 · Cal/OSHA, Title 8 §5193.