A dentist finds that CDC infection control recommendations are not being followed at their clinic. Internal reporting has produced no change. To whom should this be reported?

Correct answer: C. The state health department or state dental board

• A. OSHA regulates WORKER safety — bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, employee PPE. It does not directly enforce clinical patient-care infection control.
• B. The ADA is a voluntary professional ASSOCIATION. It can discipline its own members ethically but holds no legal regulatory authority.
• C. Correct. Regulatory authority over dental practice — including enforcement of infection control standards and the power to investigate, sanction and suspend a licence — rests with the STATE. Reporting goes to the state health department or state board of dentistry, the body with actual jurisdiction.
• D. The CDC issues GUIDANCE and recommendations. It has no regulatory or enforcement authority over an individual dental practice.