Unsterilized Dental Tools and Risk of Hepatitis, HIV

Back in 2013, an unsanitary dental office in Oklahoma put 7,000 people at risk for hepatitis and HIV. Dr. W. Scott Harrington, the clinic’s principal dentist, risked cross-contamination by reusing needles and performing procedures with dirty, rusty tools. In court records, prosecutors said that Harrington recklessly chose to “place efficiency ahead of patient care.” Even the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry called him a “menace to public health.”

A similar scenario happened in 2019 when a dental office in Washington state exposed roughly 1,250 children to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The culprit: unsterilized dental tools.

These horror stories can make anyone wonder how safe their dentist really is. No one wants to walk into a clinic, get a cleaning, and then come out with a chronic disease. But don’t let fear of dirty instruments scare you from getting the teeth and gum care you need. Read on for a guide to spotting problems early and choosing a dental clinic with proper sterilization procedures. By the end of this article, you can get the dental care you need without worrying about picking up a nasty infection.

Dangers of Unsterilized Dental Equipment

Unsanitary conditions and improperly sterilized tools pose several risks for dental patients.

Contaminated dental equipment can spread infections and diseases through direct contact with patients’ mouths and blood during dental procedures. Bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV can survive on surfaces for several days, risking transmission if instruments are reused between patients without proper sterilization. Bacterial infections can also occur, as germs can transfer from contaminated tools to patients’ mouths.

Clinics must dispose of single-use devices and clean dental handpieces and equipment through high-level disinfection and heat sterilization between patients. High-level disinfection involves using chemical agents that eliminate 99.9% of microorganisms, while heat-based sterilization through autoclaving or steam under pressure kills all microorganisms, including spores.

Proper disinfection and sterilization require adhering to recommended practices for soaking times, concentrations, and temperatures. Refer to the CDC’s Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings for more information.

How to Spot Unsanitary Dental Practices

Steps to take:

1. Ask About Sterilization Procedures

Make sure your dentist sterilizes all equipment before each use, but watch out for tools soaking in clear liquid – that’s probably just disinfectant, not a sterilizer. Proper sterilization equipment uses pressurized steam to kill bacteria. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff about their sterilization procedures. Your health is at stake, so don’t feel embarrassed to speak up.

2. Check for Single-Use Tools

Needles and syringes are primary examples of single-use devices, meaning your local Chandler dentist should dispose of them after a single use. Even if cleaned, these instruments can harbor hard-to-kill bacteria and viruses. A word of advice: anything that pierces your gums or skin should be unwrapped in front of you.

In addition, many dental devices made from plastic or rubber, such as gloves, saliva ejectors, and suction tips, are for one-time use. These items help maintain sterility, prevent cross-contamination between patients, and simplify infection control protocols in dental settings.

3. Ensure Staff Members Wear Gloves and Other Protective Equipment

According to the ADA, CDC, OSHA, and many state dental boards, dentists and hygienists must wear gloves for every dental procedure to prevent cross-infection. If staff are not wearing proper protective equipment and attempt to touch your mouth, look for a new dentist.

Other Red Flags to Watch Out for at the Dentist

Be cautious of:

1. Dirty or Unkempt Surroundings

Run far away from any dentist who keeps a messy office. A filthy and/or untidy environment is a clear warning sign of a bad dentist for several reasons:

• Hygiene standards: Dirty surroundings represent a lack of hygiene maintenance, raising concerns about the cleanliness of dental equipment and instruments. Proper hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of infections and ensure patient safety.
• Risk of infection: Unclean environments increase the risk of bacterial or viral infections.
• Unprofessionalism: A clean and well-maintained environment reflects professionalism and attention to detail. It instills confidence in patients about the quality of care they will receive and the dentist’s commitment to their health and safety.
• Comfort and experience: Clean surroundings contribute to a comfortable and positive patient experience. Patients may feel uneasy in dirty or unorganized settings, which will impact their overall dental visit.
• Legal compliance: Health authorities require dental practices to adhere to strict hygiene and infection control regulations. Failure to maintain neat surroundings may lead to legal consequences and disciplinary actions.

2. Vague Treatment Plans

A good dentist in Chandler, Arizona, will take the time to explain your treatment plan in detail, go over options, and answer all your questions. Beware of a dentist who seems rushed, gives vague explanations, or pressures you into expensive treatments without a clear reason. Ensure you understand different options’ pros, cons, and costs before starting any work.

Tips for Finding a Reputable Dentist in Chandler, AZ

What you need to do:

1. Check Reviews

Read online reviews from sources like Yelp, Healthgrades, or Google to get a sense of a dentist’s reputation and service quality. Doing your research can help assess competence, reliability, and satisfaction levels, ensuring optimal dental care and positive experiences. For example, here at Kyrene Family Dentistry, we are proud of our stellar ratings on Yelp, Healthgrades, and Google, as they reflect patient trust and the quality of care we provide.

2. Inquire About Sterilization Procedures and Observe Their Reactions

As mentioned earlier, ask the dentist or staff directly about their sterilization procedures, as well as how often they clean their equipment. Keep your distance from dentists who get defensive or irritated when you ask questions. However, remember that you should also be respectful. Avoid being confrontational or aggressive; instead, express genuine interest in understanding their procedures. Communication is key to a positive dentist-patient relationship.

3. Trust Your Instincts

Even if a dentist looks good on paper, go with your gut. If something feels off, keep looking. Your intuition may reflect subtle subconscious cues observed from the practitioner’s communication style and demeanor, or the practice’s overall atmosphere.

Let Kyrene Family Dentistry end your search for one of the best dental clinics in Chandler, AZ. Celebrating over 25 years of excellence, we pride ourselves on cleanliness and safety. Our office undergoes a rigorous sanitization process every day to ensure all equipment and surfaces meet the highest standards of cleanliness. We also understand that going to a new family dentist can cause anxiety, especially among kids, so we will do our best to make your visit comfortable and satisfactory. Schedule an appointment today.