In any environment, there is always a risk of contracting an infection or experiencing cross-contamination. The common cold is one of the leading examples of something that can be spread quickly if the proper measures are not taken. However, it’s possible to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination with rigorous protocols and good practices. In Beautiful Smiles’ modern dental practice, patients are assured that all precautions are taken to protect them. However, no one should avoid the dentist because they are scared of getting an infection. Therefore, keep reading to discover dental hygienists’ steps to prevent cross-contamination during treatments.
What is Cross-Infection?
Cross-infection occurs when hazardous bacteria and viruses are transferred from one person to another. Infections in the dental office can spread between equipment, within the body, or between medical equipment. Oral health is connected to a patient’s smile and the rest of the body. Therefore any infection has the potential to lead to a variety of problems. As a result, dental hygienists work hard to ensure that all equipment and the environment they perform treatments are always clean.
Specific Steps Dental Hygienists Take to Prevent Cross Contamination
Beautiful Smiles Dental Center uses the latest equipment and a range of the highest-quality materials and treatments to provide lasting and pleasing results. Through a wide variety of leading dental procedures, patients undergo expert care from trained, certified, and knowledgeable dental professionals. While lasting results are always the primary goal, specific actions must be done during the procedure to prevent further problems and complications to the patient’s health. Ways dental hygienists prevent cross-contamination include:
Cleaning and Sterilisation of Instruments
Throughout a patient’s treatment, many disposable instruments are used when feasible; however, there are a variety of advanced tools that are re-used between each patient. In addition, these instruments are always cleaned thoroughly using certified techniques, including ultrasonic baths.
Other tools, such as high-pressure steam autoclaves, are then utilized to sterilize the dental instruments deeply. Additionally, many different tools are used in various mouth areas during a patient’s procedure. All tools and sites being treated are constantly cleaned and sterilized as well.
Surface Disinfection
All surfaces within the dental office that come into contact with any infectious materials are thoroughly disinfected with approved chemicals between each patient. This includes dental chairs, counters, and floors, among other areas. Therefore, patients should always have the sense that the area they are being treated in is spotless without hesitation.
The Use of Proper Water Supplies
Specially disinfected and treated water is used within all of the dental units, while the equipment is fitted with safety valves that ensure the prevention of cross-contamination from wastewater or water that is rich in minerals.
Handwashing
Proper hand washing is essential for dental hygienists to reduce the chance of cross-contamination. The use of antibacterial hand rubs and soaps additionally enhances a simple and approved cross-infection technique like handwashing. Many dental hygienists utilize the same chemicals and handwashing technicians as surgeons.
Personal Barriers & Personal Protective Equipment
Dentists and hygienists utilize the proper personal barriers and PPE to ensure that their patients are protected from cross-contamination and infection at all times. Face masks, eye protection, and a new pair of latex-free gloves for each patient are worn alongside clean scrubs and clinical uniforms.
Constant Training and Certification for Dental Hygienists to Prevent Cross-Contamination
Dentists and dental hygienists undergo constant training and certifications to ensure that they stay up to date with the current and leading techniques to ensure complete patient safety. These include updating the various practices they must take to reduce cross-contamination risks during treatments. In addition to the constantly developing practices hygienists need to stay on top of, clinics also ensure that they are using the approved tools, cleaning materials, and chemicals.
Should Patients Be Worried About Cross-Contamination When Going to the Dentist?
Simply put, no patients should not worry about cross-contamination when visiting the dentist. Your smile and oral health are extremely important; therefore, staying away from the dental clinic can have serious and impactful consequences to not only your oral health but the overall health of the body as well. Dentists, dental hygienists, and other medical staff at the clinic take all of the necessary precautions and steps to ensure their patients’ health and safety.
A Trusted Dental Clinic in Gurnee, IL, for Family Dental Work
Are you searching for a family dentistry clinic that you can trust for your dental work? Look no further! Beautiful Smiles Dental Center is one of the leading family dental clinics in Gurnee, IL, and the surrounding area providing patients with leading dental treatments. Their highly trained, certified, and knowledgeable staff provides caring and effective solutions in a welcoming and clean environment. They take all of the necessary precautions to ensure each patient’s smile is left looking better than ever. Schedule an appointment with Beautiful Smiles today.
