Telltale Signs

Infection prevention is crucial whether you’re getting a normal cleaning or a more involved dental operation. Infections including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV can be efficiently prevented from spreading in dental offices by following protocols set up by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Keep an eye out for these indicators of effective infection control when you see a dentist.

Cleaning Your Hands

Diseases are most often spread through the hands. Before seeing any patient, your dentist, dental hygienist, and other healthcare professionals should wash their hands. Ask them why they don’t wash their hands before treating you. Additionally, washing your hands is healthy. Hand washing stops colds and the flu from spreading, according to the CDC.

Safety Gear

All dental personnel who provide patient care must wear the proper protective equipment, including as gloves, masks, gowns, and eyewear, in order to maintain infection control. It is necessary to dispose of all disposable clothing after every patient.

Dental Tools

Between patients, every non-disposable dental tool needs to be cleaned and sanitized. Inquire about the sterilizing procedure your dentist uses in their office. Request to see the area used for sterilizing. Needles and other disposable objects should never be used again.

Cleaning of Surfaces

Every surface must be cleansed and decontaminated before a patient enters the examination room. Protective covers for this equipment may be used in certain offices; these are changed after every patient.