Pi Dental Center has an extensive program of sterilization to ensure the protection of patients and staff. Our sterilization coordinator works in conjunction with our dentists and Expanded Function Dental Assistants in achieving the highest level of quality. Read on to learn about Pi Dental Center’s Dental Sterilization Techniques.
At Pi Dental Center, Dental Sterilization Techniques address the three major areas of infection control. They are are outlined below.
They are:
1) Hand washing/skin care
2) Instrument cleaning, disinfection and sterilization
3) Hard surface disinfection.
Because invasive surgical procedures are performed routinely in the office, it is imperative to take proper steps in infection control.
For each patient, the following is performed:
Hand Washing Techniques:
- Between patient contact
- Before leaving the operatory
- After touching a potentially contaminated items
Instrument Sterilization:
Instruments are sterilized using heat-pressured autoclaves. Items which cannot be heat sterilized are
treated with an approved cold sterilant solution.
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Sterilization monitors are used
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All surfaces which may have become contaminated are cleaned and disinfected
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All material from the patient’s mouth is cleaned and disinfected
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Sterilize handpieces (drills)
Hard Surface Disinfection:
All of the hard surfaces in each operatory are disinfected or covered with a barrier. Used barriers are removed and replaced between each patient.
Other precautions to control our asepsis and cross contamination include:
- Maintain a complete medical history form for each patient
- Use protective attire and barrier techniques
- Gloves, masks, protective eye wear
- Use rubber dams and high speed evacuators whenever appropriate
- Utilize disposable coverings on exposed surfaces
- Use disposable needles
- Dispose of all sharps in a puncture-resistant container
- Do not recap needles
- Avoid accidental needle punctures
- Carefully package and transport all biopsy specimens
- Dispose of infectious waste carefully in accordance with local regulations
- Flush water cooled hand pieces for several minutes each morning
In addition to what we generally consider infection control, procedures to keep the office clean are beneficial in the fight against infection. All waste receptacles are emptied. The entire office is dusted with a disinfectant solution moistened cloth. The chairs, desks, telephone, floors, and operatory are cleaned and disinfected each night. Walls, woodwork, carpet, windows and glass doors are spot cleaned. Floors are vacuumed or damp mopped daily. All restrooms are cleaning and disinfected daily.
