Who Oversees Your Respiratory Protection in the Dental Practice?

With oral health professionals donning extensive personal protective equipment and using respirators while caring for patients during a global pandemic, understanding which agency oversees what is helpful to clinicians who may have questions. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) work together to support the availability of and education on proper respiratory protection in the workplace. All respirators used in the workplace are evaluated and green lighted by NIOSH. Training, education, and outreach regarding respirators are under OSHA’s purview. FDA marketing clearance was previously required for all respirators used in healthcare until 2018 when the FDA and NIOSH entered a Memorandum of Understanding that created a joint review process between the two agencies. Click here to read more.