Universal precautions and infection prevention controls are in place to protect both patients and dental staff. Our intensive infection controls and precautions help to keep everyone, from you to your dental team and dentist, safe from infection and contamination that can lead to complications during dental procedures. It is crucial to visit a dental practice that you trust is safe and clean, and that follows the steps for infection control completely. You should feel safe discussing any concerns you may have about dental procedures and cleanliness with your dentist.
The entire dental team work hard to follow the recommended guidelines for infection control, such as those outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Our infection protection includes:
- Disinfectant hand soap
- Gloves and face masks
- Disinfecting counter tops and surfaces
- Sterilizing our equipment before each use
- Disposable materials
All of our reusable equipment is sterilized between procedures, including our hand tools. Using our autoclave, which kills bacteria using a combination of heat, pressure, and steam, we make sure our tools are as clean as possible ensuring patient safety.
Knowledge of our infection control practices and patient safety policies can help you feel more comfortable with your dental providers, giving you peace of mind when it comes to your dental visits.
