Infection Control in Durham, NC

Dr. Erfan Imeni and our team are committed to upholding the highest standards of care and safety at our dental office by adhering to strict sterilization methods. If you would like to learn more about our approach to infection control in Durham, North Carolina, please feel free to contact Smile Design – Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at (919) 220-5505 and schedule a visit with our dentist At our office, we follow the extensive infection control recommendations outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, we go above and beyond many of these requirements because we are dedicated to protecting the health and safety of our patients, as well as that of our team. These infection control and safety measures include:

• Eye protection for patients and team members
• Disinfectant hand soap
• Gloves and face masks
• Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
• Sterilization of all equipment before every use

In addition, our team of professionals sterilizes all reusable equipment after each use, including handpieces. We use an autoclave, which is a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat and pressure. When possible, we use disposable materials and tools to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination through reuse. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and you can rest assured that we take all of the necessary steps to protect you and your family while you are with us. We welcome you to contact our office today to learn more about infection control and safety or schedule your next visit with our dentist. We look forward to caring for you!

Every reusable instrument is cleaned, bagged and then sterilized in an autoclave, which uses pressurized steam to destroy bacteria, viruses and spores. Sterilized packs stay sealed until they are opened at the chair for your appointment. Anything that cannot be sterilized — needles, gloves, suction tips, prophy angles and similar items — is single-use and discarded after one patient. Autoclave performance is monitored on a routine schedule, so sterilization is verified rather than assumed.

Our protocols follow the guidance published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for dental health care settings, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) bloodborne pathogens standard, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for surface disinfectants, alongside North Carolina's own rules for dental practices. In practice that means barrier protection on everything hands and equipment touch, chemical disinfection of surfaces between patients, treated dental unit waterlines, and documented training for every team member.

You should see your team wearing gloves, masks and eye protection and changing gloves between patients. You will see instrument pouches opened at the chair rather than beforehand, disposable barriers on the chair, light handle and controls, and protective eyewear offered to you at the start of your visit. If you would like to know more about any part of the process, please ask — we are glad to walk you through it. Call (919) 220-5505 to arrange a visit.