With rising awareness of health risks like HIV, hepatitis, and drug-resistant bacteria, patients often ask what steps dental offices take to ensure their safety. At our practice, we strictly follow–and often exceed–the infection control guidelines set by the CDC and the American Dental Association (ADA).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): A New Standard of Care

Just a few decades ago, fewer than one-third of dentists used gloves or masks. Today, PPE is mandatory in every licensed dental practice.

You can expect our clinical team to wear:

• Gloves

• Masks

• Protective eyewear

• Gowns or lab coats

After each patient visit, all disposable PPE and materials—including gloves, needle tips, and scalpel blades—are discarded. A new set is used for the next patient.

Sterilization and Instrument Protocols

Every tool and instrument used in patient care is:

• Washed

• Disinfected

• Sterilized using chemical solutions or steam autoclaves

We use single-use items when possible, and reusable instruments are sterilized after each use to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination.

Hand Hygiene: A First Line of Defense

Handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to prevent disease transmission. Our team:

• Washes hands at the start of each day

• Re-washes before and after each patient

• Washes after removing gloves or touching potentially contaminated surfaces

It’s simple, essential, and part of our daily protocol.

Water Quality and Dental Biofilms

You may have heard concerns about biofilms—thin layers of bacteria that can form in dental unit water lines. While they exist in many places (including your kitchen faucet), no scientific studies have shown a link between dental biofilms and disease in healthy patients.

Still, we:

• Maintain our water systems using CDC and ADA-approved cleaning protocols

• Regularly monitor water quality

• Use sterile solutions or water filtration systems when necessary

Special Considerations for Immunocompromised Patients

If you have a weakened immune system or are undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant, or immune-suppressing therapy, please notify our team in advance. We’ll take extra precautions to ensure your treatment is both safe and effective.

Your safety is our top priority. Contact our office today if you have questions about our infection control practices—or to let us know about any medical conditions that require special precautions.