A dentist in Colorado was recently placed on probation for lapses in infection control, including failing to properly sterilize equipment, at his practice, according to a Colorado Dental Board order.
Dr. Bryce Jay Nielson, who practices at Premier Dental Care in Colorado Springs, is on probation for 12 months, according to an order dated September 28 from the board.
Additionally, Nielson and his staff at both practices must complete at least seven hours of approved infection control training and undergo random, unannounced inspections. If any deficiencies are found, they must repeat the training, according to the order.
On September 1, a complaint alleging poor infection control practices triggered an inspection of Nielson’s office. The inspection revealed the following infection control failures:
- Failure to sterilize a lab lathe wheel and discard pumice after each patient
- Inconsistent spore testing
- Improper sterilization of endodontic sponges
- Missing infection control compliance manuals and training logs
- Missing protocols for managing exposures
- Missing dental unit waterline testing or treatment logs
- Having expired materials that had not been discarded in treatment rooms
- Failure to comply with board rules for controlled substance logbooks
- Missing onsite assistant radiology certificates
Nielson isn’t the only dentist in Colorado in recent weeks to be disciplined for infection control failures.
In September, Dr. Scott Hirsbrunner of White Diamond Dental in Monument, CO, was suspended after the state found many infection control failures, including improper sterilization practices, as well as performing medical spa treatments that were beyond the scope of his license.
The Colorado Dental Board suspended Hirsbrunner pending proceedings to determine whether he will face additional discipline.
