The Importance of Cleanliness in the Dental Office

+ [INSERT IMAGE HERE] [INSERT IMAGE HERE]

Advance Dental Supply

21134 Bridge Street

Southfield, MI. 48033

(844) 209-0229

The Importance of Cleanliness in the Dental Office

+

Complaints about the lack of cleanliness in the dental office are still a concern,

according to the Illinois State Dental Society. It should be common practice for a dentist

to make sure that they are giving patients the cleanest environment possible. This is to

protect both the patients and dental care staff from infection or any serious disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), American Dental

Association (ADA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has

specified guidelines to make sure that dentists are keeping their working stations clean:

1. General cleanliness is necessary. All

dental offices should be clean and

orderly. The countertops, dentist chair,

equipment, furniture, and every work

surface should be free of dust, liquid, or

any kind of stain. Make sure that the

dental office also has proper ventilation.

+

2. The safety of patients should be

priority. The examination and

treatment rooms should be clean.

Don’t forget to decontaminate the

dental chair, countertops, drawer

handles, dental light, and many

more between each patient.

Prevent cross contamination as

much as possible.

3. Dentists should always wear

personal protective equipment

(PPE), such as facemasks, gloves,

and dental gowns or any protective

clothing. They should also use

infection control products, such as

hand sanitizers and sterilization

and disinfection liquids.

4. Cover everything that could be at

risk of contamination. Replace

disposables after each patient.

Throw away anything

contaminated with blood or saliva.

Don’t attempt to reuse them

unless they’re dental tools that can

be decontaminated properly.

+

5. Make sure to seal and throw all trash properly. This is to keep people who are

disposing them safe from contamination. Clean the trash bin afterwards, especially

when the trash made direct contact with the bin.

Dentists should make sure that the dental office is clean and tidy. Regardless of the

experience and expertise, it won’t matter if they can’t follow the simplest yet the most

important rule in their practice.

Sources:

http://www.tesh.com/story/cc/1/id/25449

http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/faq/protective_equipment.htm

http://advancedentalsupply.com/