FAQ
How should dentists clean their hands between patients?
If hands are NOT visibly soiled (i.e. the majority of instances), the use of a 70-90% alcohol-based hand rub is the preferred method of hand hygiene. It is more effective than washing with soap and water when hands are not visibly soiled and takes less time.
If hands are visibly soiled (including with powder from gloves) or after performing body functions then hands should be washed with plain or antimicrobial soap and running water.
Yes - personal protective equipment such as gloves, eyewear, masks and clothing should be used consistently during treatment.
All critical and semi-critical instruments used in dentistry, including handpieces, are available in heat-tolerant and/or single-use (disposable) forms. All heat-tolerant critical and semi-critical instruments must be heat-sterilized between uses. All single-use items must be disposed following use.
Dentists check their sterilization procedures using physical, chemical and biological indicators.
Physical indicators are the gauges or displays on the sterilizer for the cycle time, temperature and pressure. These are checked continuously during the sterilization cycle.
Chemical indicators use sensitive chemicals to assess physical conditions during the sterilization process. These indicators are used with the instruments being sterilized. These indicators change colour to verify that the sterilization procedure was effective.
Biological indicators (or spore tests) are also used and are the most reliable for monitoring sterilization. They directly assess the procedure’s effectiveness in killing the most resistant micro-organisms.
Clinical contact surfaces (those that are frequently touched in the course of patient care) are cleaned and disinfected between patients and at the end of the workday using an appropriate disinfectant.
Surfaces and equipment are protected from contamination using barriers. Barriers are particularly effective for surfaces that are difficult to clean and disinfect. Barriers should be removed and discarded between patients. The underlying surfaces should be examined, cleaned and clean barriers should be put up.
Other surfaces, such as floors and walls, usually require only periodic cleaning with dilute detergents. If a surface becomes contaminated with blood, saliva or other bodily fluids, it should be cleaned first and then disinfected with an appropriate low-level disinfectant.
