Infection control procedures in dentistry

Dental anxiety is common among adults. Surveys estimate that 13 to 24 percent of people around the world are afraid of dentists. This fear of going to the dentist might stem from a past traumatic experience, fear of needles or germs. 

Dental professionals can help patients overcome this fear, especially if they are afraid of germs, by educating them about your infection control procedures and offering minimal sedation. 

Here is how dental professionals are spreading the word about infection control in dentistry and how taking a sedation course helps you help anxious patients.

Dental Infection Control Awareness Month

The month of September is Dental Infection Control Awareness Month. This campaign was created by OSAP, a community of clinicians, educators and industry reps who advocate safe delivery of oral healthcare. 

Dental Infection Control Awareness Month is dedicated to informing people about dental professionals' critical health guidelines every day to keep their patients safe. It is important to educate your patients about what your office is doing to prevent infections in order to build trust and reduce fears.

Infection control procedures dentists take

Disinfecting all surfaces

To reduce the spread of germs and viruses, dental personnel wipe down all the surfaces of a dental examining room. They wipe down everything from the chair where patients sit, countertops to the dental lights. This action is performed before they welcome another patient through the room. 

Use protective covers

If you look around a dentist's office, you will see lots of equipment used for various procedures. Protective covers are used on this equipment that prevents the spread of germs and infections. These covers are either cleaned and disinfected or disposed of after each patient visit. 

Dental tools are sterilized or tossed

The tools that are used for cleanings or extensive dental procedures are either new or sterilized. Between every patient, dental teams sterilize dental tools or toss if disposable. Needles and other disposable tools are never reused. 

The sterilization process consists of a few steps:

1. The equipment is scrubbed with detergent and water to remove any debris.

2. The dental equipment is rinsed underwater to remove chemical or detergent residue.

3. The equipment is sterilized and stored properly to avoid contamination. 

Hand hygiene

Like any health care industry, hand hygiene is important. Dentists and their dental team thoroughly wash their hands before and after treating patients. Keeping the hand clean reduces the risk of transmitting germs, viruses or infections.

How to help dental patients who are anxious about germs and infections

Aside from explaining how your office prevents the spread of infections, talk to your patients about minimal sedation, also known as oral sedation. 

This kind of sedation is a prescribed medication that dentists give their patients to reduce their anxiety before an appointment. Remember to offer minimal sedation you need to take a sedation course approved by your state’s board of dentistry. 

Are you looking for a sedation course?

Check out Midwest Sedation Consultants. We offer minimal sedation courses online that are approved by eight states! Register for a course today.