Sterilization and Safety

An open letter to our patients and friends,

The past several years has seen a significant upsurge in interest and activity in the area of infection control in medical and dental offices. Tuberculosis, hepatitis and the AIDS virus have taken center stage and have caused the medical/dental establishments to focus on infectious diseases like never before.

We are especially concerned about protecting you and us from infectious diseases. We know you place a very special trust in us when you receive care. Your peace of mind is important to us. That is why we are committed to providing maximum protection against any kind of infectious disease. We have invested much time and energy into the design of an infection control system, and we are constantly evaluating and updating our state-of-the-art procedures and systems. This makes prevention and protection a way of life at your dental office, and adds greatly to your peace of mind.

Among the precautions we take are:

1.) Autoclave – steam sterilization
All instruments capable of withstanding high heat are autoclaved (sterilized) which kills bacteria and viruses. This equipment is tested weekly by an independent outside laboratory to insure that they are operating properly.

2.) Chemical disinfection
All items that cannot tolerate high heat, such as plastics, are disinfected in a chemical solution formulated to kill infectious bacteria and viruses.

3.) Handpiece sterilization
All handpieces ("drills) and related instruments are autoclaved (steam sterilized) after each use.

4.) Single-use and disposable items
Where possible we use single-use and disposable materials and supplies. These are disposed of as special medical waste after each single patient use. This includes properly disposing of all syringes, needles, cotton & paper products, and disposable hygiene polishing instruments, etc.

5.) Barrier protection and surface decontamination
Where possible, barriers (paper and plastic covers) are used to protect against contamination and making it easier to keep a clean treatment area. All surfaces are disinfected with a chemical solution formulated to kill infectious bacteria, spores, and viruses. This includes counter tops, sinks, dental chairs, light handles, etc.

6.) Clothing and on-site laundering
Special clothing and covers (surgical scrubs) are worn by office staff involved with patient care. While we don't work in a sterile operating room like the hospital, we take every precaution to assure that you and the treatment staff are safe. We utilize convenient on-site laundering to assure that we are properly caring for this clothing.

7.) Surgical masks, disposable gloves, and eye protection
Surgical masks and single use gloves are always worn! This works both ways to prevent transmission of disease in either direction. Glasses are always worn to protect eyes from contamination as well as injury.

8.) Updating & continuing education
We continually monitor our procedures for compliance with OSHA, CDC (Centers for Disease Control), and the American Dental Association

There is only one way to create the peace of mind needed about this timely subject and that way is to follow exceptional and uncompromising standards for infection control. This is accomplished with modern methods of sterilization, surface barrier techniques, the use of accepted universal precautions, and safe work place practices. Since it is a matter of life for both the health care workers and the people coming to us for care, we remain pledged to providing you with excellent dental treatment in a manner where the very finest in infection prevention practices and safety are top priority.

We're confident that by helping you become more aware of the measures that are taken here on your behalf, that your trust and confidence in your dental office will be high, making your visits a lot more comfortable.

Sincerely - and to your peace of mind,

G. Lee Ostler Jr. DDS and Staff

Return to Special Reports