We take your health and safety seriously.
One of the ways we do this is through rigorous protocols in how we sterilize our instruments and operatory rooms between patients.
When we prepare the operatory for a new procedure we:
- Wipe/dry/wipe down with medical grade surface disinfectant: Every hard/soft surface including the dental chair, the assistant’s chairs, counters, cupboards, x-ray head, and handles are wiped down with a surface disinfectant that is effective against TB, HBV, HCV, VIRUSES, BACTERIA (including MRSA and VRE) and FUNGI.
- Covering high touch areas with plastic: Between every patient, we change the plastic covers you see on the handles of the overhead light, the head and arms of the microscope, the back of the chair, the computer keyboards, and other areas that are difficult to wipe down.
- Autoclaving of instruments: Every metal instrument that is out during treatment gets sterilized after the patient procedure, even if it hasn’t been used in the mouth. This includes the handpieces (drills) and the air/water syringe tips. Autoclaving is the process of killing all resistant bacterial spores, fungi, bacteria, and viruses by pressurized steam at temperatures as high as 270 degrees F. Prior to being placed in the autoclave, the instruments get placed in a medical grade dishwashing unit.
- Disposables/plastics: Disposable products used during the procedure including plastic suctions, gauze and cotton rolls get thrown away after each patient. There is no way to effectively sterilize these items.
We have always been and will continue to be meticulous in our efforts to protect our patients and our staff through these industry standard, CDC approved sterlization and cleaning methods. Please call our office if you have any further questions concerning our cleaning procedures and protocols.
Sincerely,
Melissa J. Spaulding, DDS