5 Infection Control Procedures When Visiting Your Dentist

Visiting your dentist, whether it be for a routine check-up, for a cosmetic procedure or preventive work, should promote and enhance health. However, in this age of highly contagious viruses and bacteria, hospital and medical office induced infection should be in back of everyone’s mind.

At Needham Dental we take infection control very seriously. Not only we strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), we take many steps further by making sure that the health of our patients and employees well protected. Here are some of the common procedures followed at Needham Dental.

1. Hand Washing

It may sound simple, but washing hands with a little soap and water is a very effective tool to prevent the spread of infection. Feel free to ask your dentist to make sure he/she is consistent with his hand washing:

· Before and after patient contact.

· Before entering/leaving the dental operatory.

· After touching inanimate objects that may be contaminated by blood, saliva or bodily fluids.

· When hands are visibly soiled.

2. Disinfection and Sterilization of Equipment

All instruments must be heat sterilized between patients. Sterilized instruments are wrapped in a package—so watch for Dental Assistant breaking into a new package before starting to work on you. Also, don’t be afraid to ask about what sterilization procedure he or she uses.

3. Biohazard waste

Watch how your dentist treats the disposal of needles and other sharp instruments. The office should have a container for disposal that should be clearly market. In addition to sharp objects, waste items such as extracted teeth should be handled as infectious waste.

4. Gloves

Gloves need to be worn at all times during contact and while handling blood or saliva contaminated objects, instruments and equipment. They cannot be reused and they must be in perfect condition—with no visible tears.

Your dentist should also use a protective gown/lab coat to prevent contamination from exposures to blood and bodily fluids.

5. Clean Office

A clean and tidy office and waiting room is also an indicator of how thoughtful and careful a dentist will be. If you see dust, dirt, and stains—it may be an indicator of a sloppy work ethic.

For more information please visit, www.needhamdental.com