INFECTION CONTROLL
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed special recommendations for use in
dental offices. Let me describe just a few of the things that we do in my practice in terms of infection control:
1) All dental staff involved in patient care scrub their hands before each and every patient and
use appropriate protective garb such as gloves, masks, gowns and eye wear.
2) A new set of gloves and masks are used for each patient.
3) Before you enter the examining room, all surfaces, such as the dental chair, instrument tray, dental light, drawer handles and counter tops, have been cleaned and decontaminated.
4) Non-disposable dental instruments are cleaned and sterilized between patients. In my office we sterilize instruments using an autoclave which involves steam under pressure.
5) Disposable items like needles or gauze are placed in special bags or containers for special, monitored disposal.
6) Your well-being is important to me and my staff, which is why we follow stringent infection control procedures and comply with all state regulations for the protection of patients.
7) You can visit the American Dental Association's website at ww.mouthhealthy.org and use the search term "infection control" to see a video on this topic. The website has a lot of information to help you take care of your oral health, too.