Sterilization Protocol

Dental sterilization has been a key part of Hidden Ravines Dental since we opened. We realize the importance and value of being able to trust your health care provider. That’s why we’ve closely followed the guidelines and standards established by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since day one.

Even as the COVID-19 pandemic spread, we increased our efforts to ensure that each patient enjoys the benefits that come with maintaining a sterile and clean environment necessary for dental exams and treatment procedures.

Protective Equipment We Use

All Hidden Ravines Dental team members – including dentists, hygienists, and assistants – wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while treating you. This includes wearing a face mask or guard face, shields, and disposable gloves. Gloves are particularly important as they eliminate the likelihood of contamination by as much as 80 percent.

Before a patient is examined, our team will remove their gloves, wash their hands with a medical-grade disinfectant hand soap, and then put on a fresh pair of gloves. We’ll repeat the process after every patient examination or treatment, and after an object is touched.

Washing hands and wearing gloves is vital as hands are the most common way for viruses and bacteria to spread.

If a member of our team is not feeling well on a particular day, we advise them to stay home. The risk of exposing others to any potential illnesses is not a risk we’re willing to take.

We also ask you to stay home if you are not feeling well on the day of your appointment. Instead, just reach out to us and we’ll gladly reschedule your appointment.

Keeping Surfaces Germ-Free

With all the COVID-19 news coverage, most people now realize that some viruses and bacteria can survive on a surface for several hours.

That’s why we aggressively clean all exposed surfaces numerous times throughout any given day. In addition to thoroughly cleaning examination rooms after each patient visit, we make sure all exposed surfaces throughout the office are cleaned as well. This includes every countertop, tray, examination light handles, etc. – they’re all cleaned down to the microscopic level.

Sterilization of Our Dental Equipment

To sterilize our dental equipment, we use a dental autoclave and chemical-based solutions.

The steam from the autoclave is highly effective at eliminating all types of viruses, bacteria, and spores from the instruments. It does this by heating the equipment and tools far beyond the boiling point. Once the instruments are properly cleaned, they’re then placed in a sealed bag and securely stored until ready for use. After the instruments have been sorted and cleaned, they’re placed in a sealed bag and securely stored until ready for use.

Before an instrument or dental tool is used during your exam, you’ll see a team member unwrap it in front of you. “Single-use-only” tools stay in their factory-sealed packaging until they’re ready to be used. Afterward, they’re promptly disposed of.

Staying Vigilant to Protect Your Health

You should never have to worry about your health when visiting a health care facility like a Hidden Ravines Dental. That’s why we’ll do our part by continuing to follow the ADA and CDC guidelines, and adjust our regimen when needed.

We’re proud of the fact that our dental practice is built on trust, and a huge part of that trust is you knowing that all our equipment has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

If you have questions about your upcoming dental visit, or need to reschedule, please contact us.