We have established stringent infection control procedures to minimize the possibility of germ transmission, in order to protect the health of all of our patients from the four most common methods of pathogen transmission:
- Direct contact of skin with any blood, oral fluids and other potentially infectious material;
- Indirect contact with contaminated instruments or any environmental surfaces;
- Contact with mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth with pathogen-contaminated droplets or spatter that can be generated and propelled a short distance, whether by coughing, sneezing, or talking from an infected person;
- Inhalation of any airborne micro-organisms that may be suspended in air.
Hands are the most common method of pathogen (germ) transmission, so hand-washing, including the use of hand sanitizers, is the cornerstone of our infection control procedures. We each scrub our hands both before and after each appointment with sanitizing soap.
Because germs can also be spread indirectly through instruments, environmental surfaces and water lines, we also follow these infection control procedures:
- Regular sterilization of our dental instruments
- The use disposable supplies, such as paper bibs, paper cups, cotton rolls, and gauze pads
- Routine cleaning of our water lines
- Use of protective barriers on all exposed surfaces, like the handles on light fixtures, and other equipment, as well as disinfecting all other surfaces, including switches, dental radiograph equipment, dental chair-side computers, etc.
- Disposal of all bio-dental waste and sharp instruments in appropriately labeled, safe containers by a biomedical disposal company, to ensure proper disposal.
Our equipment is also designed to minimize the risks for you and our staff. Our entire staff has been vaccinated to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B, and we regularly review and update our office infection control procedures to ensure the best possible standards, meeting or exceeding government standards. We make infection control our priority so our patients never have to worry about it.
