By Healthcare Facilities Today

When looking at the “latest and greatest” technology for a dental facility. it's important to consider what's most effective in the the sterilization area, according to an article on the Dentisty IQ website.

Sterilization and infection control are vital parts of every dental practice, according to the article. OSHA and state dental boards set forth regulations, requirements, and recommendations for the safety of both staff and patientS, but it's up to the facility to ensure that the sterilization areas are up to date.

"When was the last time you walked through your sterilization area and really looked at how the workflow is laid out? Can you tell right away where the dirty and cleans sides are? Are there areas that can be identified as potential sources of cross-contamination?" the article asked.

The CDC recommends dividing the area for instrument processing into four areas — receiving, cleaning and decontamination, preparation and packaging, and sterilization and storage. Identifying these areas so that things flow from beginning to end in the proper sequence will reduce the incidence of cross-contamination. Look at the equipment. Is it functioning correctly? Proper maintenance can extend the life of equipment, but remember that it is not designed to last forever. The average life expectancy for a steam autoclave is seven to 10 years. For an ultrasonic cleaner, life expectancy is about six years, depending on the manufacturer and model, the article sid.

An important aspect of a self-audit is a review of the procedures and protocols for sterilization and infection control, according to the article. How often is the ultrasonic cleaner drained and cleaned? Is a biological indicator spore test being run weekly in each steam sterilizer in the office? Are there written protocols for sterilization and infection control? Are there written cleaning schedules for clinical contact surfaces and housekeeping surfaces? Are they being adhered to?

Read the article.