A pediatric dentist in Colorado has been placed on probation for multiple infection control violations, including biohazard waste that was only collected annually, according to a story published on October 28 by KRDO13.
The Colorado Dental Board recently placed Dr. Olga Jasina, who practices at Pueblo Pediatric Dentistry in Pueblo, CO, on probation for at least one year. To lift her probation, Jasina must complete all remedial conditions, including taking a seven-hour U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration-approved training course, according to the story.
In February, a state inspection revealed multiple infection control violations. Effective March 30, Jasina voluntarily agreed to stop performing any conduct requiring a state dental license while the case was being investigated. At that time, Jasina denied the allegations; therefore, the March order did not constitute disciplinary action or an admission of wrongdoing.
In August, an unannounced follow-up inspection discovered the following violations:
- Biohazard waste that was collected once per year
- In-use containers of disinfecting wipes in two treatment rooms and on the sterilization room counter that had expired
- Staff training and personal protective equipment use fell below accepted standards
- An expired fire extinguisher was found in the practice’s central closet
- Radiographic training documentation could not be produced
Jasina admitted that her conduct violated Colorado law by addressing failures to meet accepted infection control standards. There is no indication that this conduct harmed any patients, according to the story.
