Safe patient transfers in the dental office

Are you seeing an increased number of patients that need assistance transferring into the dental chair?  As our population ages, faces increasing medical challenges, and grows more obese, the need for transfers into an exam chair becomes more frequent in dental offices.

No national law currently exists for Safe Patient Handling (SPH), but there are some related laws and guidelines of which you should be aware.  Further, the traditional two-person method of lifting a patient is unsafe.  So just what should you know and do with regard to patients needing transfer?

The equipment needs of any practice depends on the profile of patients and their mobility status. Having a communication process in place will help identify patient mobility needs before arriving for an appointment.

Open or download the Tip Sheet on Safe Patient Transfers for information on concerns, legalities and options, as well as links to additional resources.  Help your patients and yourself!