Infection Control
Issues surrounding poor infection control practices in dental surgeries have been widely discussed in the media of late. Patients who have undergone invasive dental procedures at four private Sydney clinics over the past several years have been advised to see their GP to receive testing for blood-borne viruses. Our patients at Blue Tooth Dental in Enmore however, can rest assured that our dentist surgery diligently partakes in correct infection control techniques for all dental appointments and procedures. We take pride in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of each of our patients.
Infection control standards
The purpose of infection control in a dental surgery is to prevent the transmission of disease-producing micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi between patients and dental staff during invasive procedures. Invasive procedures include any that involve penetration of the gums with instruments that must be properly and thoroughly cleaned and sterilised or renewed between each patient. Examples of these types of procedures include implant procedures, removal of teeth, procedures involving work on the gums and diseased or injured teeth. As invasive procedures involve blood, strict cleaning procedures are paramount to ensure no residual blood or other contaminated material is left behind to compromise the health and safety of other patients.
Blue Tooth Dental practices
In compliance with the guidelines set out by the Australian Dental Association Incorporated (ADA), all Blue Tooth Dental staff who clean and reprocess instruments are given formal training in the relevant infection control procedures. Blue Tooth Dental infection control involves careful, sterility tasks (sterilization), including:
- the use of non-touch taps (use of machines for cleaning, cleaners and sterilization)
- sterilization of instruments by using ultrasonic cleaners and autoclave
- professional grade disinfectant hand washes and thorough cleaning of hands
- clean and contaminated zones are clearly marked and cleaned accordingly
- drawers are opened by elbow touch, de-gloving, transfer tweezers, or the use of overgloves
- retrieval of instruments and materials from drawers by sterile transfer tweezers
- gloves must be removed before touching any clean surface
These and countless other infection control procedures are followed daily at Blue Tooth Dental, providing you with the peace of mind that your safety is guaranteed when you book an appointment or procedure with our skilled dental staff.
