The Importance of Sterilization and Disinfection as Infection Control Measures for Atlantis Dental Care P.A.

When you go to the dentist, you probably do not think much about sterilization and disinfection as part of the infection control protocol. However, your dentist works behind the scenes to provide a sterile environment. Sterilization and disinfection are important for your health as well as the health of the dental staff. Learn some of the key benefits of infection control.

Benefits of sterilization and disinfection

Many people are surprised by all the work that goes on behind the scenes at a dental office. When patients go back to the treatment room, the equipment has been disinfected and the office space is clean and sanitized. This provides patients and dental teams with benefits. These benefits are critical when receiving or administering oral care.

Prevents the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases

Dentists use instruments to probe people’s mouths. The mouths might contain bacteria and viruses that can transfer to the instruments. Common bacteria and viruses include herpes, hepatitis, staph, COVID-19 and other diseases. Sterilizing and disinfecting the dental instruments kill the germs and bacteria, so no one else will be exposed to it. This prevents dentists from inadvertently spreading viral and bacterial infections when treating patients.

With infection control measures, the transmission of infectious agents is rare. If dentists follow the protocol, patients should not catch diseases from the dental instrument. That includes properly cleaning all instruments after use. After cleaning the instruments, dentists sterilize them. The instruments are moved to storage until dentists need them again.

Protects staff members from viruses and bacteria

Dental staff members who work with equipment that is not sterilized and disinfected are at risk. Touching these items could expose them to germs and bacteria. Also, viruses and bacteria could get into the air, further exposing staff. Dental offices know the importance of protecting staff members from illness. Keeping the staff healthy is another reason sterilization and disinfection are important. A healthy staff is a happy and efficient staff, so this is key.

Of course, part of keeping staff healthy is providing them with PPE when cleaning the equipment. This is part of the infection control protocol. Anyone who cleans equipment wears PPE. Then, the germs cannot transmit to the staff member.

Prevents transmission through surface contact

Diseases like COVID-19 can stay on surfaces for hours or days. Touching an exposed surface puts people at risk for contracting diseases. Dentists sterilize the office space to prevent germs and bacteria from gathering on surfaces. This includes wiping down the dental chair, table and anything else the patient might touch. When patients enter the treatment room, it is clean and ready for them.

Infection control is a priority for dentists

Infection control is critical for all dentists. Dentists do not want to spread infections in the office, so they take measures to lower the risk. This includes sanitizing instruments and office space. When you go to the dentist, you can rest assured that measures have been taken to protect you when you undergo treatment. These measures are not just in place for the COVID-19 pandemic. Dentists always understand the importance of infection control.

Request an appointment here: https://www.atlantisdentist.com or call Atlantis Dental Care P.A. at (561) 965-9988 for an appointment in our Atlantis office.

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