Macomb County Dentist Discusses Proper Infection Control and Safety
Many of you have heard of the oral surgeon in Oklahoma who had violated OSHA and CDC guidelines. It is important to note that the majority of dentists comply with the standards for safe and effective dental care. I have heard many times that dental offices follow these guidelines more strictly than the medical community.
The Center of Disease Control (CDC) has created guidelines that are in position to protect you the patient from cross contamination. Universal precautions is the process and term which describes how each person is treated in the same and assumes that anyone can be a carrier of AIDS, Hepatitis B or C, or many other blood borne pathogens. When universal precautions are used you can be assured that you and your family’s safety are protected.
I wanted to make a list of what you need to look for at the dental office you are going to assure you that you and your family are receiving the safest care dental care possible.
- Is the dentist or assistant willing to talk about their infection control processes or is it shunned aside?
- Do they monitor their sterilizers (autoclaves) monthly to assure that it is working properly?
- Is the office clean when you look around or is it dirty?
- Are surgical instruments wrapped and in cassettes or carriers?
- Are medical wastes disposed of properly?
- Are the areas covered in plastic or wiped off after each patient visit?
- Are rubber gloves used and disposed of after every use?
Macomb County Dentist Discusses Proper Infection Control and Safety
These are some of the questions that you may inquire of to make sure you and your family are receiving the highest level of care and safety. If you have questions about this please feel free to call me at (586)247-3500 or email me at DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com.