Modern infection-control protocols in the dental practice

Infection control in a dental practice is not judged by equipment but by flow: where each instrument goes, who touches it and with what. A well-designed reprocessing room makes the correct step also the easiest step.

1. Separate dirty and clean

The reprocessing bench needs a clear, one-way direction: receiving → cleaning → drying/inspection → pouching → autoclave → storage. No path ever runs backwards.

• Use closed transport containers from the surgery to the reprocessing room.
• Keep separate instrument baskets per category so nothing is sorted with bare hands.
• Mark the zones visually (bench colour, tape, dedicated shelves).

2. Personal protection at every stage

PPE changes by zone, not only by patient:

• In the clinical area: examination gloves, mask, eye protection. Soft Care surgical masks are changed for every patient or as soon as they become damp.
• In reprocessing: heavy-duty gloves, apron, eye protection while cleaning.
• Always: hand hygiene before and after gloves - gloves never replace washing.

PPE consumables are in the Consumables category.

3. Surfaces and barriers

Split surfaces into two groups:

1. Contact surfaces (light handles, chair controls, air-water syringe): protect with a single-use barrier and change it per patient.
2. Transfer surfaces (benches, working tray): clean and disinfect with an approved product, respecting the label contact time.

Use disposable examination rolls such as Soft Care Premium 2ply 58cm x 50m to cover surfaces and trays.

4. The instrument cycle

The principle is the same as in any clinical setting:

1. Soak immediately after use in a non-corrosive solution, e.g. Prosept Fortis.
2. Ultrasonic cleaning with instruments open.
3. Rinse, dry fully, inspect visually.
4. Pouch in sterilisation pouches with a chemical indicator.
5. Class B autoclave cycle at 134 °C with a drying phase.

Handpieces are cleaned, lubricated and sterilised per the manufacturer''s instructions - external wiping is not enough.

The full range of solutions and pouches lives in the Disinfection / Sterilization category.

5. Water, suction, waste

• Flush water lines at the start of the day and for 20–30 seconds between patients.
• Clean the suction system daily with the specified product and check the filters.
• Sharps in a rigid container, never a bag; clinical waste in its own stream.

6. Documentation and training

A protocol only exists if it is written down and trained. Keep:

• A daily autoclave cycle log with indicator results.
• A weekly biological test.
• Staff training and vaccination records.
• Short, posted instructions at each station.

Checklist

• Clean and dirty zones with one-way flow.
• Single-use barriers on all contact surfaces.
• A complete instrument cycle documented per load.
• Enough consumable stock that the protocol is never interrupted.

Related products

- Categories: Disinfection / Sterilization, Consumables - Prosept Fortis 1 L - Kraft sterilisation pouches 100x200 mm