Dental professionals rely on specific components to address oral health concerns. To ensure the delivery of proper care during an appointment, dentists and their team members prioritize patient safety through cleaning equipment.
When non-disposable equipment is near a patient during treatment, following OSHA regulations for dental utensils and sterilization is imperative to prevent pathogen transmission. For more information on rules regarding dental equipment, continue reading below.
Wearing Protective Equipment
Wearing the proper protective equipment is an essential preventive measure during the handling and cleaning of dental utensils. All staff should wear eyewear, masks, gloves, and smocks during all treatment and cleaning processes.
Equipment Pre-Soak and Surface Sanitation
Pre-soaking dental utensils in medical-grade solutions help to loosen buildup that can be challenging to remove when it’s dry. During this time, dental staff should clean high-touch surfaces with approved solutions after each patient.
Surfaces include patient chairs, countertops, door handles, and light handles.
Cleaning and Drying Procedures
While pre-soaking loosens debris, thoroughly cleaning metal utensils eliminates bacteria and fluids. Afterward, allow tools to dry and package in sealed wraps in preparation for sterilization.
Many dental offices use ultrasonic cleaning machines that use sound waves to clean their equipment.
Autoclave Sterilization
While OSHA does not have a detailed standard on autoclaving used metal utensils, using this method mass sterilizes dental equipment after they’re washed and dried. The autoclave will dispense sterilizing solutions and dry utensils at a specific temperature to kill all traces of bacteria.
Single-Use Items
Whenever possible, dentists will use disposable, single-use utensils and equipment. Single-use items include water suction tips, plastic coverings, cotton rolls, napkins, syringe needles, and gloves.
According to disposal guidelines and sharps regulations, dental providers must dispose of single-use utensils and syringes after each appointment.
Following up on OSHA regulations for dental utensils is an essential part of a much broader plan to ensure patient health during check-ups and oral surgeries. From cleaning equipment to performing routine utensil assessments, maintaining guidelines prioritizes continued functionality, so providers deliver the best care possible.
For more information on dental OSHA compliance, consult Gamma Compliance Solutions. We offer courses and online training tools as educational support for dental and medical professionals across the nation.