Attention on Sterilization and Disinfection in Dentistry

Attention on Sterilization & Disinfection in Dentistry

Sterilization is the chemical and physical process that aims to eliminate all microorganisms present in any object. That is why disinfection and sterilization are two fundamental techniques get applied in the daily practice of dentistry. Sterilization in Dentistry is the most important process of the protocols that are carried out in a clinic. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to this procedure. Its improper practice can lead to the spread of bacteria’s and cause an infection. Sterilisation must be performed with a repeatable, standardisable, verifiable, and documentable method.

Disinfection and decontamination must be put into practice not only to clean the instruments used in dental procedures but also to clean surfaces that may have come into contact with the patient's biological fluids or been contaminated by aerosols, like the surfaces of the dental chair and dental carts.

To prevent patient-to-operator and operator-to-patient contamination, the dental team is equipped with barriers, which are defined as personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, medical bonnets, masks, medical safety glasses, protective gowns, visors, screens, and aprons.

Comprehensive range of products to prevent cross contamination-

Bouffant cap- used to cover head while attending patients. Keeps hair in place preventing cross contamination.

Face masks- facemasks and face coverings have always been essential items even before coronavirus. Masks need to be fluid- and splash-resistant and comfortable.

Disposable-Gown- Proper choice of gown is important for infection control protocol, as is the choice of storage.

Tray liners- Filter paper lining for instrument trays should be high in strength and absorbency. Hygienic and disposable.

Aprons - They ensure patients remain dry and clean. They should be resistant to tears – so premium quality in strength is paramount – as well as absorbent.

Cotton rolls- Ideal for topical cleansing and swabbing, or as cushioning or an absorbent secondary layer, too, it should be easy to unroll without sticking together and the required quantity gently torn off, limiting wastage.

Sterilisation Pouches- heat seal and self-seal pouches place the item inside of a sterilization pouch and seal it up with the autoclave machine. When sealing, make sure that there is no air in between the two layers of plastic before putting it into an autoclave machine.

Shoe covers- they help maintain a sanitary environment by eliminating tracked-in dirt and microbes and they protect the wearer from accidental spills and bodily fluids.

Finally in my opinion proper management of the sterilisation and disinfection procedures in an operating environment cannot be achieved without an efficient coordination within the dental team (dentists and assistants). According to my findings, only an appropriate workflow relationship between dentists, assistants, dental stations, and stored material can guarantee the maximum efficiency in terms of operative time, if the highest standard of instrument and operative environment sterility and disinfection are to be maintained.