Infection Control

Infection controls and universal precautions protect clients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone in a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with Dr. Estefan and receive a straightforward answer.

 We would like to share with you some important updated information about what we are doing to increase your level of safety at of your dental visits.
 

First let me clarify that COVID-19 is not an airborne transmitted virus, it is primarily transmitted via respiratory droplets or droplets of saliva containing the virus. This is why we have a “Droplet Protection Program”.
 

 We are pleased to inform you that we have increased your level of protection and safety during dental procedures by adding OCTOdent to our Droplet Protection Program.

 OCTOdent, is a Droplet and “External Aerosol Suction” and “Air Scavenger” device which is now installed and operational for dental patient care in our clinic for both Dental Prophylaxis and Operative treatments. It absorbs dirt, dust, fungi, bacteria, vapors and human corona viruses like COVID-19. 
 

 OCTOdent has installed a UV-C germicidal lamp that destroys bacteria and virus by breaking its DNA structure. This also adds a firm layer of protection to our air supply. It will provide you with the highest standards for patient safety in the industry and is part of our Environmental and Engineering Controls aimed at reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

 

Dental Units Waterlines (DUWL) Treatment

 

We have followed the recommendations regarding the need to shock all our Dental Waterlines to include the Sonic Scalers. We have then installed to each Dental unit the technology “DentaPure”, which was developed for NASA to ensure water consumed in space was free of bacteria, viruses and any other harmful organisms. It is the only iodinated water treatment product that is EPA registered as an “Anti-Microbial Waterline Product”. DentaPure treats dental unit waterlines from the first day of installation for the life of the cartridge, reducing harmful bacteria exposure to patients and staff during aerosol producing procedures. DentaPure is FDA cleared, and exceeds ADA, CDC and OSAP microbiological standards. Contains no hazardous silver and insures practice meets or exceeds water quality providing CFU levels of less than 200.

 

Water is tested and sent for proof test with outside sources.

 

Air Protection and Ventilation Protocol

 

CDC has not identified confirmatory evidence to demonstrate that viable virus is contaminating the Air conditioning and ventilation systems.

 

Still, for your protection we had our ventilation system cleaned industrially with proven video probes. We then installed UV series of light at the air entrance to destroy harmful organisms.

 

UV LIGHT controls mold and bacteria, reduces odors and removes VOC’s. Certified NADCA to National standard with source contamination removal through the system. 

 

Eliminates 99.9% of harmful germs and viruses like salmonella, E. coli, and COVID-19.

 

Together with the Scavenging properties of the OCTOdent, air exchanges occur several times per hour per hour.

 

Note that patients are provided treatment in individual rooms in our dental setting

 

Instrument Sterilization

 

We follow strict Sterile Supply Cycle

 

We sterilize in a Steam Autoclave. This is a machine that uses steam under pressure to kill bacteria virus fungi and Spores. After instruments are cleaned to reduce the Bioburden they pass through a Biosonic device, then rinsed and dried and inspected.

 

Then they are packed in pouches with markers for adequate sterilization and pressure markers and carried into the autoclave chamber. From there they are stored in a dry place for Quality Assurance. Autoclaves are continuously monitored through biological markers and indicators as well as tested through an outside reliable source, in this case Mesalabs.

 

 As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! 

 

Your safety and peace of mind is important to us. 

 

 We will continue to strive for excellence in our service to you!

 

The best defense against disease is information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel.