Patient Information

Infection Prevention and Control Standards Impact on Dental Offices

Issues with the cleaning and sterilization of medical equipment, as well as infection prevention and control, were identified in the East Central Health Region in March 2007. Dave Hancock, Minister of Health and Wellness, immediately ordered an investigation of the situation by the Health Quality Council of Alberta, and a review of infection prevention and control policies, practices and procedures province-wide.  The findings of both reports indicated a need for provincial infection prevention and control standards for all facilities providing health care services.

Although Infection Prevention and Control standards within dental offices have always been at a high standard, the Minister directed Alberta Health and Wellness to include the provincial standards into the Alberta Dental Infection Prevention and Control Strategy.

As a result of the Alberta Infection Prevention and Control Strategy and Standards, the Alberta Dental Association and College has developed standards for dental offices in Alberta. These new standards have required time and the rethinking of office procedures in delivering dental treatment. Many of these standards have been quite extensive and expensive as new equipment and training has been required which has increased costs and brought about an increase in dental fees.

At Solace Dental Care, we have taken a very proactive approach to implementing the new standards. Our infection control protocols are in accordance with the latest Alberta Dental Association + College (ADA+C) infection guidelines. Here are some of the measures we take to protect both our patients and our staff from disease transmission:

• We sterilize our instruments and disinfect all surfaces (including lights and chairs) between each and every patient visit.
• We clean the water lines with Enzymatic evacuation system cleaner (Microvac) between every patient, and perform regular equipment checks and tests on the autoclaves (heat sterilizer), water retraction valves and all other equipment.
• Besides cleaning, sterilizing and disinfecting, there are frequent checks in the office and the laboratory to ensure all is up to standard.
• A standard biological spore test on sterilizers is done daily.
• Every instrument is hand inspected and marked with the sterilization load number, date and time that it was sterilized. Each sterilization bag and cassette is marked with two different levels of process indicators to assure each and every sterilization cycle is fully complete.
• Our Dentists and staff use protective barriers such as eye protectors, disposable masks and gloves, and clothing such as lab coats or uniforms that are worn only in the office and changed daily.

At Solace Dental Care, we are very aware that infection control can be a concern for patients. We ensure that all of our staff is very well trained and vigilant in maintaining standard protocols. We constantly strive to be as good as we can be for the safety of our patients and our staff. If you ever have any questions about infection control, please don’t hesitate to ask. We will gladly provide you with a tour and demonstration of our sterilization centre. For more information about infection control, please visit: http://www.abda.ab.ca/