“What health precautions do dentist take?”
I haven't gone to the dentist in years because I am afraid of them putting dirty tools or gloves in my mouth. What precautions do they take to reduce the risk of contamination?
5 Answers
The CDC, THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL, has a list of guidelines that dentists and other health professionals follow for protection of the patients from getting diseases
from contaminated instruments and close contact. The dentist and patients are also protected from from contaminated instruments.
MASKS, GLOVES, AND MANDATORY STERILIZATION OF DENTAL HAND PIECES AND INSTRUMENTS is for the protection of both the patient and doctor. Doctors spend tens of thousands of dollars for disposable masks. gloves, suction. high speed suction, patient napkins, sterilization bags, gallons of solutions. All of these supplies plus are PURCHASED for patients, dental staff, and dentists' protection. The dental office is on top of all of the latest guidelines set by the CDC.
from contaminated instruments and close contact. The dentist and patients are also protected from from contaminated instruments.
MASKS, GLOVES, AND MANDATORY STERILIZATION OF DENTAL HAND PIECES AND INSTRUMENTS is for the protection of both the patient and doctor. Doctors spend tens of thousands of dollars for disposable masks. gloves, suction. high speed suction, patient napkins, sterilization bags, gallons of solutions. All of these supplies plus are PURCHASED for patients, dental staff, and dentists' protection. The dental office is on top of all of the latest guidelines set by the CDC.
Do dentist is required by law to follow OSHA and American Dental Association guidelines for sterilization and disinfection as well as reduction in communicable diseases and institution of barrier control as well as equipment maintenance to assure each patient's experience is without incident and towards their better dental health. Gloves are disposable and not reusable, all surfaces are decontaminated between visits and between patients, face masks are used, and dry heat or steam sterilization is used make sure the instruments are properly sterilized and then they are packaged individually for each patient's examination tray and each procedure that require specific instruments. You can be assured that any Divergence from the description that I've just given you would meet with severe penalties for the office that finds itself non-compliant ineffective dental procedures and would be sanctioned by the State Board of Health. These offices are subject to on-site unscheduled spot checks by the Board of Health and are very effective with very stiff penalties for those who do not comply with public health standards.
Good question. In my office my team and I change gloves between all patients. After patient care we wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant. Suction tips and air syringe tips are disposed. Instruments and drills are sterilized with heat under pressure which gets all of the germs, both bacteria and viruses. Most dentists are germ conscious. This should not be a concern.
If you were to visit a reputed and licensed dental practice, they will have mandatory regulations in place for patient and staff safety which are in alignment with state dental board and OSHA guidelines. Basic cleanliness of the office and supplies should give you an idea at your first visit.
All instruments are cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner and then autoclaved (steam sterilized) between patients. Additionally, all surfaces are wiped down with a hospital grade disinfectant.
