The measures described in this checklist support the infection control guidelines issued by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in health care settings. Dental Consumer Checklist Hand Washing and Gloves. Check to see if your dentist and the dental care team wash their hands and put on fresh gloves before starting treatment. Check to see if your dentist and the dental care team provide treatment wearing a face mask and protective eye wear or face shield, as well as a clean clinic jacket or lab coat covering street clothes. The American Dental Association recommends that dental handpieces be heat sterilized between patients with acceptable methods that assure internal as well as external sterility.
Sterilization destroys all forms of micro-organisms, including viruses, bacteria, spores and fungi.
Since the late 1980s, the only dental handpieces sold have been those that could withstand heat sterilization. Your dentist can explain how hand pieces and other dental instruments are sterilized. Check the general cleanliness of treatment room surfaces such as countertops, chairs, X-ray unit heads and light handles. These surfaces should be either cleaned with chemical disinfectant or covered with disposable wraps. Check on the use of disposable items.