| In
the last few years, patient protection has become an issue of public
concern. With the discovery of the AIDS (HIV) virus and the medical
implications of Hepatitis-B, it has become necessary for health
care facilities to consistently apply state-of-the-art sterilization
and disinfection techniques to provide patients with maximum protection.
In
our office, your safety is our highest priority. Throughout the
day, we continuously and thoroughly sterilize our equipment for
your protection. Our protocol for sterilization includes the following:
Before and after each patient appointment, all treatment surfaces
(e.g., countertops, chair surfaces, lights, x-ray machines, and
trays) are disinfected with the most effective and safest products
available.
To
ensure your safety, we follow a number of standard sterilization
procedures with all instruments and handpieces. They are brought
into our sterilization room and placed in an ultrasonic cleaner
to remove even microscopic debris. The instruments and handpieces
are then rinsed thoroughly before being sterilized in an autoclave,
which runs for 20 minutes and reaches a temperature of 400 - 425
degrees, thereby destroying all bacteria and all viruses.
Our
autoclave and dry heat sterilizer are monitored regularly to ensure
their efficiency and safety.
Staff
members use masks, safety glasses, and new gloves for each patient.
All
staff members are updated annually in proper patient protection
procedures and have been vaccinated against
the Hepatitis-B virus. We will be happy to answer any questions
you may have regarding patient protection and give you a personal
tour of our sterilization facility.
|