Patient Safety and Sterilization is of utmost concern at Apex Dental Associates. Layers of infection control procedures are used to address this concern. When at all possible, disposable, one-use instruments and supplies are used. Needles, prophy angles (the rubber-like cup used to polish teeth during cleanings), saliva ejectors (the straw-like suction device used to remove saliva from your mouth) are all single use. The ones used on you have NEVER been used on another patient and will be disposed of after one use.
All reusable instruments such as hand pieces (drills), metal hand instruments, etc, are ultrasonically cleaned of debris, and sterilized in a hospital-grade autoclave before reuse. Color-change indicators are used during sterilization to confirm the instruments were subjected to the presence of sterilizing conditions (heat, steam, pressure). Weekly spore testing is sent to Mesa Labs who is the industry leader in providing sterilizer-monitoring services (spore testing or biological monitoring) to healthcare professionals in all 50 states as well as through affiliates in Canada and Europe. Their feedback allows us to positively know that our sterilizer is functioning properly.
All surfaces that are contacted during a dental procedure are covered with disposable plastic “sleeves” which are disposed of after each patient.
Before and after each patient, all surfaces in the dental operatory are cleaned, wiped, and sprayed with a solution which is designed for hospital operating rooms, surgical centers, physician offices, nurseries, and other critical care areas. It is effective against Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in 3 minutes. Bactericidal **(including MRSA and VRE), Fungicidal and Virucidal (including HIV-1 and Herpes Simplex *Virus Types 1 and 2) in 3 minutes and Tuberculocidal in 5 minutes It is designed to clean, decontaminant and disinfectant, yet is safe enough to be approved for use in neonatal units.
All employees use protective eyewear, masks, gloves, and protective clothing. Broad-spectrum antibacterial soap is used to wash hands, and disposable gloves are ALWAYS changed between each patient. We buy disposable gloves by the case, and are glad to do so for your protection.
When you come to our office, you place your trust in us. We see that as an awesome responsibility and obligation. We take that responsibility with the utmost seriousness by being meticulous, careful, and thorough in our sterilization and patient safety procedures,