Infection Control

* I've heard about universal precautions. Can you tell me what they are?
* Do you sterilize the instruments including the handpiece (drill) after each
patient?
* How do you sterilize the instruments? Can you show me how it's done?
* How do you clean and disinfect the examining room, and how often is this
done?
* What are the things to look for?

I've heard about universal precautions. Can you tell me what they are?

Universal precautions are safety procedures. They are used for each and every patient to prevent the transmission of the AIDS virus and other infectious diseases.
These precautions require all dental staff involved in patient care to use appropriate protective garb such as gloves, and sometimes masks and eyewear.

After each patient visit, the gloves are discarded, hands are washed and a new pair of gloves is used for the next patient.

Do you sterilize the instruments including the handpiece (drill) after each patient?
According to a recent study, virtually all dentists sterilize their handpiece (drill) between patients. Dental offices follow specific heat sterilization procedures. Disposable items, such as needles and saliva ejectors, cannot be sterilized and are discarded in special containers.


How do you sterilize the instruments? Can you show me how it's done?

Dental instruments are cleaned and sterilized at very high temperatures after each time they are used on a patient. Recommended sterilization methods include: an autoclave (steam under pressure), a dry heat oven, or chemical vapor (commonly called a chemiclave). The sterilization equipment usually is not in the treatment room, but if you'd like to see how and where it's done, ask the dental staff to show you.

How do you clean and disinfect the examining room, and how often is this done?
Before you enter the examining room, all surfaces, such as the dental chair, dental light, drawer handles and countertops have been cleaned and decontaminated. Some offices may cover this equipment with protective covers, which are replaced after each patient. Sharp items and anything contaminated with blood or saliva are disposed of in special containers.

Things to Look For

" Is the dental office clean and orderly?
" Is the dental staff helpful and willing to answer your questions?
" Do the dentist and staff wear gloves and other appropriate
protective gear during all actual patient treatment?
" Do the dentist and staff wash their hands before donning a clean pair of gloves?
" Do all surfaces and equipment in the treatment room appear clean?
" Are needles and other sharp items disposed of in special puncture-resistant
containers?
" Is everything that is used in the patient's mouth either heat sterilized or
disposable?