Protecting patients, dentist and staff

Infection control is critical in your dentist’s office. Here are some of the procedures designed to prevent the spread of disease:

• Up-to-date immunization is required for dentists and staff dealing with patients.
• Gloves must be changed between patients.
• Hands should be washed with germicidal soap before and after wearing gloves.
• Dentist and staff require masks and eye protection.
• Drill handpieces and other dental instruments used in patients’ mouths must be sterilized or disinfected between patients.
• Counters and trays must be covered with disposable covers and/or disinfected with an appropriate chemical agent.
• Clothing should be washed with bleach in very hot water then dried by machine dryer or dry cleaned and steam pressed.
• Disposables should be discarded in plastic bags; needles or other sharp objects put in special containers.