Safety & Sterilization
Ever wonder why things are set up the way they are in your dentist’s office? Wearing gloves or protective face masks isn’t just about personal preference – it’s the law. Patient and employee safety is of the utmost importance to us at Smile Hilliard. Here’s a look into how we determine what to do and how to do it in order to keep the office hygienic and compliant with dental regulations.
State & Federal Dental Office Regulations
OSHA
Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. OSHA assures safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
In order to avoid common hazards in medical and dental offices, OSHA has a set of standards that all offices must abide by, no matter the size. Some of the OSHA requirements include the following:
- Use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as eye protection, gloves, gowns and masks
- Regular and proper handwashing
- Rigorous infection control and sterilization standards
- Workplace controls and behaviors that decrease employee and patient risk of exposure to harmful substances
- Adoption of new recommendations from the CDC when necessary
These regulations are crucial in our day-to-day routine in order to keep our staff and our patients safe and protected from potential hazards. We take these regulations very seriously and ensure that our team is educated on these guidelines – and follow them everyday!
ADA & CDC
In addition to OSHA, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have a set of infection control recommendations for dental offices. Most recently, the CDC released a document in 2016 complete with tools and recommendations that help us follow basic expectations for safe care.
At Smile Hilliard, we employ the best labs in the industry, strictly following infection control procedures to maintain sterilization of the restorations that are fabricated outside of our office. Our patients can rest assured that they will experience a safe dental appointment, all in an environment that is comfortable and feels like home.
What to Expect at Smile Hilliard
When visiting Smile Hilliard for your routine checkup or dental procedure, you’ll notice us practicing a number of steps for proper Safety & Sterilization, including:
- Wearing gloves, face masks, and eye protection while in exam/procedure areas
- Cleaning and sterilizing instruments before use
- Utilizing appropriate disposal of single-use products and plastic barriers
- Having a designated area for items prone to cross-contamination
We’re committed to putting our patients at the forefront of our practice – meaning your comfort, health, and safety is our number one concern. Make an appointment today to experience top notch safety and dental care.
