Office Update

Regular hand washing: 

• Before and after treating a patient
• Before putting on gloves and immediately after removing them
• After touching any potentially contaminated surfaces or equipment
• Using soap and water for visibly soiled hands instead of alcohol-based hand sanitizer

‍Use of personal protective equipment: 

• Wearing gloves, masks and eyewear while treating patients
• Using new gloves for treatment of every patient
• Removing personal protective equipment before leaving the work area

‍Using proper respiratory and cough etiquette: 

• Covering mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing
• Coughing or sneezing into the elbow
• Using and disposing of tissues
• Sanitizing hands after exposure to respiratory secretions

‍Use of sterile instruments and devices: 

• Disinfecting and sterilizing reusable dental equipment before use on another patient
• Keeping manufacturer’s reprocessing instructions readily available for trained team members
• Wearing appropriate PPE when handling and reprocessing equipment
• Using monitors to ensure effectiveness of sterilization
• Maintaining sterilization records in accordance with state and local regulations

‍Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces throughout the operatories and office:

• Establishing policies and procedures for routine cleaning and disinfection of surfaces
• Using barriers for hard-to-clean surfaces
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are not barrier-protected
• Using EPA-registered disinfectants or detergents that are suitable for health care settings