Dr. Nicholas Gardner and his team are committed to the safety and overall wellness of patients. Dr. Gardner and his dental team have always adhered to guidelines from the ADA and OSHA when it comes to infection control practices in-office. We want all patients to feel safe, comfortable, and confident in the level of care and protection from exposure to illnesses when visiting with us. You can call Dr. Gardner’s Gouverneur, NY dental office at (315) 203-1772.
Following the CDC and ADA Guidelines
The CDC and ADA have provided guidelines for medical and dental professionals who are seeing patients at this time. These agencies are updating infection control guidelines for the dental industry. It’s necessary for them to keep on top of things as sterilization techniques update and change. We are following their tools and checklists to ensure that we are adhering to the guidelines for sterilization and infection control.
Wearing Personal Protection Equipment
PPE is a measure that is used to protect both patients and staff. Our dentists wear gloves that are changed between patients. Sometimes gloves are changed multiple times with the same patient, depending on the dental services being performed. When gloves come into contact with other surfaces, like the counter or computer, they will be disposed of. We will also follow proper handwashing techniques both before and after putting on gloves. Eye protection including goggles or glasses is normally required for our staff. We are stepping up this level of protection by providing face masks to every member of our staff. In addition, all staff will be wearing the appropriate PPE at all times.
Cleaning and Sterilizing Our Office
Our dentists sterilize dental tools and instruments that are reused between patients. Metal tools used for surgery or gum disease treatment are heated to sterilize them. Some instruments that we use are disposable and are used only once for each patient. Dental chairs, office chairs, the reception desk, and other surfaces that come in contact with the skin are disinfected to kill germs and infection.