Infection Control

Be assured that our office practices universal precautions to protect you and ourselves from the possibility of disease transmission. We abide by the following infection control practices:

• Appropriate use of protective barriers, including gloves, masks, lab coats, and protective eyewear or face shields.



• Gloves, when required, are changed and hands are washed after each patient.



• Heat-stable, non-disposable instruments and handpieces that have been contaminated with potentially infectious materials are heat-sterilized after treatment of each patient.



• Precautions are taken to prevent injuries caused by needles, scalpels, and other contaminated sharp instruments during procedures.



• Disposable contaminated sharp needles, syringes, and other contaminated instruments are discarded in puncture-resistant containers.



• Surfaces and equipment that need not be sterilized are cleaned and disinfected after treatment of each patient. Disposable coverings may be used on surfaces to prevent contamination.



• Infectious waste is placed in containers specially designed for safe storage of biohazardous materials.



• Containers of infectious waste are stored in a secure area before treatment and final disposal.



• Patient-care staff receive continuing training on infection control.