Effective and efficient infection control in dental offices is critical to patient safety and ensuring productivity is not compromised. Infection control programs include cleaning and sterilization of reusable dental instruments and dental equipment.

Dry heat sterilizers have been used effectively in dental offices for many years. Like any other sterilization method, dry heat sterilization is highly dependent on the operator following the manufacturer's instructions regarding cycle times, temperatures, instrument packaging, and loading techniques. Because dry air is less efficient as a heat conductor than moist heat at the same temperature, dry heat devices require higher temperatures to complete sterilization.

Packaging cleaned instruments before placing them in the sterilizer is a standard of care to protect the instruments and maintain their sterility until they are ready for use on patients. Unprotected instruments can be recontaminated by dust and spatter, or come into contact with any number of non-sterile surfaces during transportation, storage, pallet setup, and operational setup.

Instruments used in patients with known hepatitis do not require special reprocessing procedures. The same sterilization and other infection control precautions should be used regardless of whether the patient has HIV, hepatitis, or other medical conditions.

Store sterilized instruments in sterilization bags or packaging materials. If the packaging is damaged or wet, the item must be repackaged and heat sterilized. Avoid mixing non-sterile packaging with sterile packaging. There should be a visible indicator on the outside of each package, such as a chemical indicator or color-changing autoclave tape, to allow staff to easily distinguish between sterilized instrument packages and instrument packages that have not yet been heat treated.

Finally, a dental autoclave should be cleaned according to the schedule described in the autoclave instructions or operating manual. Often, manufacturers will make specific recommendations for the reagents to use for the safest, most effective cleaning. If you have any other needs, please contact us.