We identified 6 Myth related to Instrument Management Systems and we are here to bust them all! 

The narrow width, extensive length, and dark/moist environment of dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) provides the ideal home for the growth and survival of colonies of microorganisms that begin to build a sticky matrix creating biofilm, and just because you don't see what's in your water, it doesn't mean you can ignore it. 

Infection control is often overlooked or neglected. Here's how to get back on track.

There are definitely some key topics for infection control in your office. Sharps injuries, your sterilization area, instrument sterilization, patient safety, and organization are all important in creating a safe and healthy environment for you and your patients. Here are some of the big takeaways to keep in mind as you continue your infection control journey. 

We’ve talked with profitable dental practices that have somehow managed to find more time in their day. And for some of them, a lot more. Of these practices, we continually hear that what helps them be most efficient is a well-organized facility. 

Here are some indicators that you could benefit from better organization

You should be prepared to proactively bring up safety with your patients instead of waiting for them to ask questions. This can take the form of actual discussions, signage, emails, texts, and other forms of communication that let patients know their safety is your priority. 
 
Here are some tips to create a better patient experience when it comes to safety. 

If you’re like most dentists coming out of the past year and half, you’re likely taking a hard look at how to continue protecting the safety of your patients and staff. 
 
A good place to start? Instrument sterilization. 
 

When it comes to maintaining your practice’s sterilization area, details matter – especially for maximizing the efficiency and functionality of your sterilization area. 
 
More importantly, how well you follow National and International guidelines for setting up your sterilization area will have a major impact on patient safety.
The four review steps of the instrument reprocessing are 1) receiving, cleaning and decontamination, 2) preparation and packaging, 3) sterilization, and 4) storage. 
 
Here are some best practices for each of those steps. 

It’s common for a sharps injury to occur when transporting or reprocessing contaminated instruments. When evaluating the processes in your facility, use these questions to identify how you can improve safety.

Routine sterilizer efficacy monitoring is a critical element of your practice’s infection prevention and control protocol. Steam sterilization is, of course, a routine part of instrument reprocessing, and it’s important to ensure your sterilizer is functioning properly for every load. As a result, there are certain steps you should be taking monthly, daily, and per each load to achieve sterility assurance.