Office Safety and Infectious Disease Prevention
Dear Valued Patient,
In our office we have made a comprehensive effort to
protect our patients and ourselves from infectious diseases. Gloves,
face shields and lab coats are the visible signs of our commitment.
Although the actual risk seems very low, no precaution
is too great! We want to share with you some of the things that go on
behind the scenes to protect everyone:
1. Heat sterilization (autoclave) of all handpieces
(drills) and instruments that go into a patient's mouth - after each
patient use.
2. Use of disposable instruments and materials whenever possible.
For example, we use a new disposable handpiece for every patient who
gets a cleaning.
3. Extensive disinfection of every surface we touch in the treatment
rooms after each patient.
4. Training for the entire staff in "barrier" techniques, sterilization,
first aid and patient safety.
5. Staff CPR training.
6. Hepatitis B vaccinations (3 injections) for the whole staff.
7. Separation and professional disposal of all medical and hazardous
waste.
8. Office cleaning by a professional service.
9. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) training
for all employees in infection control in the dental office.
10. Continuing education classes for all staff members and the
doctors.
11. Use of the most modern equipment and methods available - both
for our dentistry and for your safety.
The Dental Society, the Health Department and OSHA are involved in advising
and setting guidelines. Our office has worked hard to set an example
which meets or exceeds all current standards and is a model for other
dental offices. It was our honor to be chosen as the site of the
filming of the infection control instructional video produced by the
Dental Society of New York State. Please feel free to ask us about
any procedures - we will be happy to show you how we do anything in
the office.
We want to provide you with superior dentistry - and we strive to do
it comfortable and safely. We look forward to continually serving
you.
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