Dental Sterilization

Sterilization at Salaita Orthodontics

The health and safety of our patients and staff are our number one priority. That’s why we’ve put appropriate controls and precautions in place to protect our valued patients and staff. We practice high degrees of sanitation and dental sterilization to provide you and your family with the highest caliber of care in the safest possible conditions.

Ensuring your safety

Our staff is expertly trained in procedures recommended by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We take their guidance seriously and incorporate best practices into our routine operating procedures.

We use state of the art dental sterilization equipment and machines, including dental autoclaves, dental sterilizers, and steam sterilizers. Using these machines to clean dental instruments kills viruses and bacteria by applying pressure, steam, and heat.

Additionally, we make sure that surfaces are safe and clean by using:

• Gloves and face masks
• Disinfectant hand soap, which is available throughout the office
• Disposable materials whenever possible
• EPA approved chemical disinfectants to clean countertops and surfaces  
• Sterilization procedures on all equipment after and before each use

Use of disposable materials

Many of the materials we use in our office are disposable. Gloves, masks, face shields, gowns, and many of the things used in the exam itself, including gauze, brushes, and floss are safely discarded after every use.

Our staff ensures all single-use materials are properly stored, used, and disposed of after each patient visit. 

Use of reusable Instruments

Some instruments used in procedures and exams can’t be discarded and are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between each use. We follow the process below to make sure appropriate dental sterilization practices are followed:

• Clean – All instruments are thoroughly cleaned before moving to the package step. Cleaning is performed using ultrasonic cleaners, which completely remove germs, bacteria, and debris are eliminated.
• Package – Once clean, instruments are wrapped in appropriate medical packaging before being sterilized.  
• Sterilize – Once safely packaged, instruments are sterilized using dental autoclave sterilizers, approved by the FDA.
• Disinfect – After each use, all surfaces and machines are meticulously disinfected using EPA approved surface cleaners.

Once instruments are cleaned, packaged, and sterilized, they are safely stored until ready for use. Our dental sterilization process follows best practices and leaves having a beautiful smile your primary concern when visiting our office.

Training and our client commitment

Our staff undergoes OSHA/HIPPA training every year, and CPR and Radiology every two years to ensure they exercise the most up-to-date procedures in patient care and infection control in dentistry and orthodontics. When updating our procedures and systems, we closely follow the guidance of the American Dental Association and the CDC. 

If you ever have questions for us, just ask. Your trust and confidence in our ability to provide you with the safest possible environment is very important to our team. We’re happy to provide additional, detailed information about the steps we take to protect you and your family from bacteria, viruses, and other infectious diseases.

We look forward to seeing you at your next visit!