Infection Control Measures

Infection control is incredibly important in the dentistry industry and our team always strives to meet the standard of care and adhere to guidelines.

Equipment Sterilization

Equipment sterilization is a critical process that must be strictly adhered to in order to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients. This process involves the killing of all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces and equipment to prevent the spread of infection. This is done both manually and with an ultrasonic cleaner. After cleaning, the equipment is sterilized using heat or chemical agents where instruments are exposed to a high temperature that kills all microorganisms. Once sterilized, equipment is carefully stored in a clean and organized manner to prevent contamination. Regular monitoring and testing of sterilization techniques are essential to ensure effectiveness and compliance with health regulations.

Protective Gear

Our dentists, dental hygienists and other team members are exposed to hazards such as bloodborne pathogens, chemicals and infectious diseases on a daily basis. This is why personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in preventing occupational exposure and ensuring the well-being of both patients and healthcare providers. Common PPE in the dental industry includes gloves, face shields, protective eyewear, gowns, and masks.

Gloves are worn to protect our hands from contamination and prevent the spread of germs during dental procedures

Face shields and protective eyewear shield our faces and eyes from splashes, sprays and aerosols that may contain harmful substances

Gowns are worn to protect clothing from stains and fluids

Masks help prevent the inhalation of airborne particles and droplets

After each use, the PPE is properly disposed of to maintain a hygienic work environment. By following established protocols, our team can effectively reduce the transmission of infectious diseases and promote a safer workplace for everyone involved.

Dental Unit Waterlines

Dental unit waterlines play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of dental procedures. These waterlines are responsible for delivering water and air to dental tools such as handpieces and syringes during treatments. It’s important to maintain proper care and cleaning of waterlines to prevent the buildup of biofilm and other contaminants that can compromise the quality of water used during procedures. We regularly flush and disinfect them to keep them clean and free from harmful microorganisms and uphold the highest standards of infection control.

We Take the Prevention of Cross Contamination Very Seriously

Preventing cross-contamination is paramount to ensuring the health and safety of both our patients and dental staff. Cross-contamination occurs when infectious agents are transferred from one person or surface to another, increasing the risk of spreading harmful pathogens. In a dental setting, this can happen through blood, saliva, and more. This is why we implement and follow strict infection control measures to minimize the risks.

One way we do this is by following proper hand hygiene. We wash our hands thoroughly before and after every procedure by using soap, water, and alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Secondly, we utilize PPE (as mentioned above) such as gloves, masks, goggles, etc., to reduce the risk of exposure. Lastly, we ensure all equipment and instruments are cleaned and sterilized.

We follow all protocols diligently and will continue to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for all.

Have any Questions or Concerns? Contact Us Today!

If you’re curious about other ways in which we ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We understand that patients may be worried about getting sick and how to best prevent this, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, but rest assured knowing that your health is always our priority.

Services

Dentiflow Dentistry offers a complete range of dental care services. Try us out for yourself to see how we can help you feel more confident with your smile.