Preventing Infections

In light of recent news reports concerning a Tulsa, Okla.-based oral surgeon, the American Dental Association (ADA) understands that there may be heightened interest in infection control procedures. Regulations for dental office inspections are determined on a state by state basis by the state dental board.

The ADA has long recommended that all practicing dentists, dental team members and dental laboratories use standard precautions as described in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Infection Control in Dental Health Care Settings guidelines. Studies show that following proper infection control procedures greatly reduces risk to patients to the point of an extremely remote possibility.

Infection control procedures are designed to protect patients and health care workers by preventing the spread of diseases like hepatitis and HIV. Examples of infection control in the dental office include the use of masks, gloves, surface disinfectants and sterilizing reusable dental devices. In addition, dental health care providers are expected to follow procedures as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Before you enter the examining room, all surfaces, such as the dental chair, dental light, instrument tray, drawer handles and counter-tops have been cleaned and decontaminated. Some offices may cover this equipment with protective covers, which are replaced after each patient.

Non-disposable items like the dental instruments are cleaned and sterilized between patients. Disposable items like needles or gauze are placed in special bags or containers for monitored, proper disposal. Infection control precautions also require all dental staff involved in patient care to use appropriate protective garb such as gloves, masks, gowns and eye-wear. After each patient, disposable wear like the gloves and masks are discarded. Before seeing the next patient, the members of the treatment team scrub their hands and put on a new pair of gloves.

Patients who have questions about infection control in the dental setting should talk with their dentists, who will be glad to explain or demonstrate their procedures.  More information on infection control in dental offices is available online athttp://www.ADA.org

Please be assured that we look at these guidelines as a minimum standard for our practice.We hold your safety and well being as paramount to how we work. We would welcome our patients to walk through with us on the various procedures we utilize in our practice.

Dr. Caroline Wallace DDS

Complete Dental Care

103 South Colorado Street

Salem, Virginia , 24153

540-387-3844