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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.
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.
Steps to take:
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.
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.
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.
Be cautious of:
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:
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 the pros, cons, and costs of different options before starting any work.
What you need to do:
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.
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.
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.