Above and Beyond: Our Infection Control Standards

State of the Art Disinfection and Sterilization Practices

We consider our commitment to state of the art disinfection and sterilization practices to be one of our most important expressions of care.

Autoclave Sterilization of all Reusable Instruments Between Patients

Autoclaves use pressurized steam at high temperatures and achieve true sterilization, eliminating all forms of microbial life.

Single Use/Disposable Materials Used Whenever Possible

Single use materials and equipment in dentistry eliminate the risk of cross contamination between patients entirely.

Automated Instrument Washing and Disinfection

Sterilization can only be effective if instruments are thoroughly cleaned first. Bioburden (organic debris like blood, saliva, and tissue) left on instruments can shield pathogens from the sterilization process. Many practices rely on team members manually scrubbing contaminated instruments before sterilization - this is one of the highest risk activities in a dental office! We have invested in high-end automated instrument washing and disinfecting equipment that dramatically reduces the need for manual instrument cleaning. Automated instrument washers deliver the same precise temperature, pressure, detergent concentration, and cycle time every single run. Investing in this higher level of cleaning and disinfection protects our team members from unnecessary bloodborne pathogen risks that come with manual scrubbing, and ensures consistent, validated cleaning results every time prior to final sterilization in the autoclave.

Dental Waterline Purification

We use an EPA-registered, in-line dental waterline purification system that uses non-allergenic iodinated resin bead technology, similar to that developed for NASA, to treat dental waterlines and kill bacteria. This reduces bacterial counts in the water used during your dental procedures to levels that meet and exceed CDC and ADA standards.

Thorough Surface Disinfection

We use EPA-registered disinfectants on all clinical contact surfaces between every patient. High touch surfaces like light handles, chair controls, and headrests are covered with clean, fresh barrier protection (such as plastic wrap/covers) for each visit.

Digital Radiography

There are so many benefits to digital radiography (including significantly lower radiation exposure compared to traditional film), but one benefit we don't often talk about is the elimination of the need to handle contaminated films and then develop them in shared chemical processing areas. It's so much cleaner and simpler now - our sensors are thoroughly disinfected after every patient, and then completely covered with a fresh, clean, single-use protective barrier for your appointment.

Individual Treatment Rooms

No open bay operatories shared by multiple patients.

Pre-Procedure Antimicrobial Rinses

Before treatment begins, we ask patients to rinse with an antimicrobial pre-procedural rinse. This significantly reduces the bacterial load in the mouth, adding an extra layer of protection for you and our team.

High Volume Suction and Aerosol Evacuation Systems

Studies show that well-utilized high volume evacuators (also known as suction) during dental procedures is capable of reducing aerosols and droplets by 93% to 96%!†

HEPA Air Filtration in all Operatories

Every one of our operatories as well as our common spaces are outfitted with HEPA Air Filtration, capturing particles from 0.1 to 0.3 microns in size, effectively cleaning the air in each space every 30 minutes.

High Level Surgical Masks Worn During All Procedures

Higher level respiratory protection, such as N95 or KN95 respirators, is also available for team members when appropriate.

Clean, Fresh Gowns and Protective Clothing

You wouldn't believe how many wardrobe changes we go through in a day! To keep our patients as safe as possible, our gowns and outer protective clothing are changed between every patient for aerosol generating procedures.

Hand Sanitizer Available for Patients Throughout Office