Infection Control
Infection Control – Patient Safety is Paramount
At Dugger Dentistry, your West Linn OR dentist of choice, we take infection control seriously for the sole purpose of protecting everyone in the dental setting, especially our patients. We want you to feel at ease that we have taken every precaution and that you are in a safe and clean environment.
All staff receive annual training in infection control, hazard communication, bloodborne pathogens, sterilization procedures, and accident prevention.
Going above and beyond industry standards
All dental instruments are put through a specialized high-temperature instrument washer called the Hydrim. This 25-minute process includes a pre-wash, wash, rinse, and dry cycle. Instruments are then packaged in sterilization bags containing monitors that turn color when sterilization temperature is reached. Packaged instruments are then placed in autoclaves which are monitored with weekly spore testing sent to an outside service for analysis. Following autoclave sterilization, each package’s color monitor is examined. Dugger Dentistry goes above and beyond industry standards by doing a second check and signing off on a log prior to opening sterile instruments for patient use.
Operatories are disinfected after each patient use, including all switches, counters, chairs, and other equipment with a germicidal surface disinfectant/decontaminant cleaner. This disinfectant destroys all organisms including HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C in one minute.
Disposable single-use barrier covers are used in all patient operatories for light handles, dental chairs, and instrument trays. Gloves are removed and replaced every time we step out of the operatory during a procedure minimizing any chance of cross-contamination to “clean” areas.