Dental Clinics

Infection Control Practice at Dental Clinics

· Hand Hygiene

· Precleaning (Point of use treatment)

Adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions for use (MIFUs) for dental instruments.

· Transport

· Cleaning & Disinfection

Instruments are visually inspected during the manual cleaning, packaging, sterilization process and before use for debris, rust, pitting, cracks, chips, or fried identification tape.

Water type, EPA registered, FDA cleared cleaning and disinfecting products are used as recommended and directed based on intended use, by the manufacturer’s instruction and selected guidelines. 

· Inspection, Prep and Packaging

Instruments are visually inspected during the manual cleaning, packaging, sterilization process and before use for debris, rust, pitting, cracks, chips, or fried identification tape

· Sterilization 

Mechanical: time, temp, pressure

Chemical: change in color when physical (mechanical) parameters are met.

Biological: Spore test to assess the sterilization process.

Documentation: sterilization log sheet that includes all 3 parameters results.

· Storage.

Storage areas should be dustproof, dry, well-ventilated, and easily accessible for routine dental use.

Sterile materials should be stored at least 8-10 inches from the floor, at least 18 inches from the ceiling, and at least 2 inches from the outside walls.

Items should be positioned so that packaged items are not crushed, bent, compressed, or punctured.

Personal protective equipment

Sharps safety

Safe injection practices

Environmental cleaning and disinfection

Dental water line quality

Please see: CDC Oral Health