Infection Control

Before each patient appointment, all surfaces that may have been touched, chair controls, light handles, bracket trays, and countertops, are disinfected using a hospital-grade disinfectant.

Barrier protection is placed on high-touch areas including the dental chair headrest, light handles, and air/water syringe handles. These barriers are replaced between every patient.

All reusable instruments are cleaned, packaged, and sterilized in an autoclave (steam pressure sterilizer) between patients. We perform regular biological monitoring of our autoclave to confirm it is functioning correctly.

Instruments are tracked and stored in sealed pouches until the moment they are opened for use in your care. Single-use items are never reused.

Many dental procedures generate aerosols, fine particles suspended in air. We use high-volume evacuation (HVE) suction during any aerosol-generating procedure to reduce airborne particles in the treatment room.

Where clinically appropriate, rubber dam isolation is used to further reduce aerosol production and protect surrounding tissue during restorative and endodontic procedures.

Dental unit waterlines are flushed at the start of each day and between patients. We test waterline quality regularly to ensure bacterial levels remain within accepted standards, consistent with guidance from the EPA and ADA.

For procedures requiring sterile irrigation (such as surgical extractions), sterile water or saline is used rather than water from the dental unit.

If you are feeling unwell on the day of your appointment, particularly if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, please let us know before you come in. We are happy to reschedule without penalty so that other patients and staff remain safe.

If you have any questions about our infection control procedures before your visit, please call us at any time. We are glad to walk you through exactly what to expect.