How Dentists Can Tackle Infection Prevention

Effectively Disinfecting the Dentist Office

More than 67% of the US population visits the dentist at least once each year, meaning millions of Americans are exposed to potential HAI’s from a dental office. To fight harmful pathogens, it is vital to come up with an infection prevention (IP) plan that specifically addresses dental office environments, patient populations, and potential risks. 

Prioritizing how and where to focus infection prevention efforts in a dental office is easier said than done. With threats to patient safety in and out of the front door daily, it’s critical to implement a series of IP procedures that are enforced and followed by every member of the dental practice team.

A powerful way to succeed at infection prevention within a dental practice is to incorporate UVC disinfection systems. Bundled with traditional manual cleaning and sterilization, UVC technology increases the effectiveness of a dental office’ IP protocol by harnessing ultraviolet light to target and destroy pathogens that can potentially harm patients. Studies have confirmed that UVC light is an effective addition to manual cleaning efforts and can kill harmful pathogens quickly and efficiently. Exposure to UVC light for a specific length of time and intensity kills dangerous microorganisms. The American Journal of Infection Control notes that combining UVC technology with manual cleaning is one of the most effective ways to significantly decrease the pool of harmful pathogens that cause infection.

With the CDC’s recent report that Coronavirus can remain infective for up to 16 hours in respirable-sized aerosols, all dental practice leaders need to consider disinfection of not just surfaces, but the air in their facility as well. The RD-Fx UVC System is uniquely positioned to address both surface and airborne bioburdens and help keep patients and workers safe in dental offices. 

Patients put their trust in their dentists, hygienists, and other members of a dental practice’s team. Now more than ever it is critical that dental practices of any size ensure that infectious diseases do not spread from surface to surface, room to room, and between patients. A comprehensive organizational approach should be adopted, one which ensures the most basic of IP procedures is being implemented with fidelity throughout the dental office. A practice’s infection prevention plan can only reach maximum effectiveness when the entire team ensures the basics are being implemented. When they’re not, the results can be detrimental to both dental patients and staff. 

Effective IP is the ideal solution to keep dental patients and staff safe. The best UV disinfection system for your dental practice is a key element in the IP toolbox.

Download Now: Learn Four Ways to Improve Infection Prevention in Your Dental Practice