Protecting you is a priority to us. At Dr. Bohay's office we pay particular attention to general cleanliness, disinfection and sterilization. Our standards are in line with those laid out for practicing dentists by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). We follow strict instrument sterilization protocols and use the latest and best dental materials available in the business today, so you always know that you are getting the best and safest treatment, including:
- Use of disposable supplies, when possible
- Thorough cleaning and/or sterilization of all instruments
- Surface disinfection of contaminated surfaces
- Equipment designed to prevent contamination & for sterilization
- Care and maintenance of dental units
- Handwashing to reduce bacteria between each patient encounter
- Gloves & masks to prevent direct contamination as well as cross-infection
- Protective eyewear or cover
- Approved disposal methods for contaminated waste
- Use of autoclave sterilizer
Every patient undergoes treatment with the most sterile environment possible. All carpeted/non-carpeted areas are meticulously cleaned with a high-power vacuum cleaner to get all the dust mites out and prevent air-borne infections. The chairs and all moving/rotating parts are sprayed with antiseptic solution and wiped clean with a soft cloth. After every patient the same procedure is followed for the chairs to prevent cross infection.
Instruments
All instruments are thoroughly washed in antiseptic solutions and wiped clean. They are then packaged into sterile pouches and vacuum-sealed to prevent contamination. The instruments are then placed into a digital autoclave and autoclaved at 121 degrees. At this temperature all disease-causing bacteria are known to be killed. This is the standard autoclaving procedure followed in Operation Theaters worldwide. A supply of sterilized handpieces is always available, guaranteeing that no two patients are treated with the same handpiece.
Disposables
We use a new pair of gloves for every patient and is disposed of immediately after the treatment is completed. All gloves are put on and removed in front of every patient, so there is no question of whether they were ever used before. In addition, we use disposable masks, suction tips, and plastic glasses. Disposable slip covers are used on critical areas of the dental chair which are changed for each patient. All local anesthetics are given from sealed syringes that are opened in front of you and disposed of immediately after treatment. Dentists and patients mandatorily wear protective safety glasses during tooth whitening procedures to prevent any harm to the eyes.
