Oversight Review of Dental Clinic Issues Dayton VA Medical Center Dayton, Ohio

The VA Office of Inspector General Office of Healthcare Inspections reviewed infection control issues at the Dayton VA Medical Center, Dayton, OH. We found evidence of lack of adherence to proper infection control policies and determined that a medical center dentist did not comply with infection control and related procedures. We identified evidence that Dental Service management was aware of these infractions, yet did not act sufficiently on this evidence. Additionally, we confirmed that staffing levels for the Dental Service were suboptimal, and this may have increased the likelihood that deviations from approved infection control practices would occur. We also found that interpersonal relations among Dental Service staff were, at times, strained and negatively impacted the Dental Service. We recommended that the VISN Director review the findings related to the Dayton Dental Service, to include staffing issues, and take appropriate action; and that the VISN Director ensure that the Dayton Medical Center Director requires the Dental Service to comply with the relevant infection control policies. Both the VISN and Medical Center Directors agreed with the findings and recommendations and provided acceptable action plans.