All healthcare facilities, particularly dental clinics, have to maintain a clean and

safe environment at all times. It’s a standard meant to ensure that both patients

and dental care practitioners are protected from possible illness or infection.

There are a number of regulations stipulated by the government and the

American Dental Association when it comes to the maintenance of a dental care

facility. Oral health professionals must see to it that their work environment is

primed for safe dental care administration.

For a better understanding of these standards, here are some of the things

every dental care expert should take into careful consideration:

Infection Routes

Patients and physician are in danger of being exposed to pathogens in an ill-

maintained dental facility. According to Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC), there are generally four ways harmful microorganisms can be

transmitted:

1. Direct contact with oral fluids, blood 2. Indirect contact with contaminated materials like instruments and

surfaces 3. Spatters which contain microorganisms from an infected person 4. Inhalation of airborne microorganisms

Instrument Sterilization and Disinfection

To eliminate the possibilities of

infection, it is a must for

physicians and staff members to

sterilize and disinfect all

instruments used in a single

operation. There are several

laboratory-tested disinfectants in

the market today; it is up to the

dental health professional to pick

products with the lowest toxicity

level for safer use.

Waste Materials Disposal

Some items like sharp knives, syringes, and cartridges have to be discarded to

prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Every clinic must have the

facilities to dispose of clinical waste in as little time as possible. According to

guidelines, any waste that undergoes treatment must be classified based on the

hazardous waste regulations.

Cleanliness is part and parcel of healthcare administration. Apart from the

dental care services, an oral health physician must keep in mind the safety and

sanitation of the facility, so that one can deliver optimized dental solutions.

References:

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00021095.htm

http://www.infectioncontrolproducts.com/products/621/optim-33-tb.aspx