Practices we employ to ensure your safety

Our staff goes through vigorous training to follow procedures recommended by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We take their recommendations very seriously and incorporate best practices from each into our regular routines

We employ the latest dental sterilization equipment and machines, including dental autoclaves, dental sterilizers, and steam sterilizers. Cleaning dental instruments with these machines effectively kills bacteria and viruses using pressure, steam, and heat.

In addition, we make sure all surfaces in our practice are safe and clean by employing the use of:

• Gloves and face masks
• Disinfectant hand soap, available throughout the office
• Disposable materials whenever possible
• Chemical disinfectants to clean countertops and surfaces
• Sterilization on all equipment before and after each use

During your visit, you’ll see these best practices in action. All of our clinical staff will be wearing gloves and masks during procedures and examinations. These items will be discarded after every use. Additionally, all surfaces in exam rooms will be cleaned and sanitized using EPA approved chemicals for each patient visit.

Use of disposable materials

Most, if not all of the instruments we use in our clinic are disposable. These include gloves, face shields, masks, gowns, and items used in the exam itself, like gauze, brushes, and floss. All are safely discarded after each use.

Our team is trained in best practices when using and handling disposable materials, ensuring they are properly stored, used, and disposed of.

Use of reusable instruments

Instruments used in procedures and exams that can’t be discarded are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between each use. Our office uses the process below to ensure proper dental sterilization practices are followed:

• Cleaning – All instruments are thoroughly cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners, which make sure that bacteria, germs and any other debris are completely removed.
• Packaging – Once cleaned, instruments are wrapped in medical-grade packaging prior to sterilization.
• Sterilization – Once safely packaged, instruments are sterilized using approved FDA dental autoclave sterilizer machines.
• Disinfecting – After each use, all surfaces and machines are thoroughly disinfected using EPA approved surface cleaners.

After they have been cleaned, packaged, and sterilized, all of our instruments are stored safely until ready for use. Our thorough dental sterilization process and protocols make sure that your only concern when visiting our office is how good your smile is going to look!

Training and our commitment to you

Your trust and confidence in our practice is of the utmost importance to us. Our staff undergoes regular training in cleaning techniques every two years to make sure that they are well-versed in practicing the most up-to-date techniques.

Our systems and procedures are frequently updated following the guidance of the American Dental Association and the CDC. If you ever have any questions, just ask! We can provide you with additional information about the steps we take to protect you and your family from viruses, bacteria, and other infectious diseases.

Give us a call if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you soon!