Infection Control Information
Infection prevention and control standards are important in maintaining a safe environment for patients by reducing the risk of the potential spread of disease from person to person. These routines are designed to eliminate the risk of infections and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our patients, providers and visitors.
Our Infection Control Plan
Standards::
Our standards are followed for each and every patient in the office. These standards mean that the dental provider treats each patient in the same way, using the same methods. Gloves are used for all dental procedures. After each patient and procedure, gloves and masks are discarded and hands are washed before a new pair of gloves is donned.
Sterilization of instruments:
Each instrument undergoes a sterilization process after each patient and procedure. After the dentists, hygienists or dental assistants have finished treating a patient; all dental instruments that are heat stable are sterilized by steam under pressure (autoclaving) and dry heat. Before sterilization, instruments are cleaned so that any debris is removed using an enzymatic or non-enzymatic before they are used on any other patient. Sterilization is a process that kills all forms of life, including infectious organisms such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and Tuberculosis. Each sterilized load is tested to ensure instruments are in fact being sterilized and that all infectious organisms are killed. With these detailed testing procedures, dentists and patients can be confident that the instruments used have been completely cleaned and sterilized.
Broad Spectrum:
Effective against a wide range of bacteria. The four major components are Tuberculocidal, Virucidal, Fungicidal and Bactericidal.
Sterilization:
The process of making something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.
Disinfecting:
the process of cleaning something in order to destroy bacteria.
Disposable Items
A number of items in the dental office are used on patients only once and then discarded. Disposable items include gloves, masks, needles and syringes, protective coverings for instrument trays, and certain instruments that cannot withstand the sterilization process. Discarded needles are placed in a designated container to prevent needle-stick injuries, not in the regular waste collection.
Surface Disinfection
Patient safety extends to the dental treatment area as well. The area in which your treatment occurs is cleaned and disinfected after each patient, and disposable covers are placed to protect surfaces from contamination. These covers are replaced after treating each patient. This is also true for the area in which sterilization occurs.
Ask Questions
Your health is important to all of our staff. If you have questions about how you are protected from infectious diseases feel free to ask your dental professionals. They would be happy to discuss these issues to make you feel more comfortable and secure about your dental visit. Dental professionals know the facts about infection control. The profession has established guidelines that all dental professionals must follow to protect you. Your safety is a priority for you and our team.
Last revised July 2017 – To be reviewed annually.