Sterilization Protocol
Cleanliness and sterilization have always been of paramount importance to the healthcare industry. With the added worries of the pandemic, our patients can rest easy knowing that we are taking extra precautions to go above and beyond to keep them and the members of our staff safe and healthy.
How Do You Keep Patients Safe in Your Office?
Use of Disposable Items When Possible
Whenever possible, we use disposable items (such as napkins, gauze, gloves, and masks) in our office for our patient’s treatment. This significantly helps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and the transmission of contagious diseases between patients.
Sterilization of Non-Disposable Tools
Not every tool in our practice is disposable. However, these tools undergo a rigorous sterilization process after every use on a patient. This includes both professional heat and chemical sterilization processes that occur prior to packaging and storing the items.
Before use, stored items are then removed from their packaging and re-sterilized in our office in an up-to-regulation autoclave that uses heat and pressure to destroy contaminants.
Regular Cleaning and Frequent Sterilization of High-Touch Surfaces
In addition to sterilizing reusable tools, we also maintain a clean environment in all areas of our office including entries, waiting areas, and treatment areas. We have implemented a stringent, routine cleaning protocol and frequent sterilization of high-touch surfaces.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
We employ the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in our office, wearing masks, gloves, and protective face shields. We ask that our patients follow local health department regulations regarding the wearing of masks inside our office and keep our patients up-to-date on the current recommendations.
Local and National Regulations and Guidelines
We closely follow all local and national regulations regarding health safety and take care to stay current with the latest recommendations. This includes guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, OSHA, the American Dental Association, and the Colorado Department of Public Health.
Health and Safety Accommodations for Patients
If you have a condition that puts you in a high-risk category for serious illness from COVID-19 or if you are concerned about spreading an illness to other members of your family, we welcome you to contact our office before your appointment to make us aware. We can take extra precautions for your safety, such as allowing you to check in to wait for your appointment inside your car or scheduling early appointments so that you are the first one in the office.
To learn more about how Northern Colorado Prosthetic Dentistry keeps you safe through stringent sterilization and cleaning protocols, we welcome you to contact our office.
