Safety & Sterilization

Safety & SterilizationEver wonder why things are set up the way they are in your dentist’s office? Wearing gloves or protective face masks isn’t just about personal preference – it’s the law. Patient and employee safety is of the utmost importance to us at Smile Hilliard. Here’s a look into how we determine what to do and how to do it in order to keep the office hygienic and compliant with dental regulations.

State & Federal Dental Office Regulations

OSHA

Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. OSHA assures safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

In order to avoid common hazards in medical and dental offices, OSHA has a set of standards that all offices must abide by, no matter the size. Some of the OSHA requirements include the following:

  • Use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as eye protection, gloves, gowns and masks
  • Regular and proper handwashing
  • Rigorous infection control and sterilization standards
  • Workplace controls and behaviors that decrease employee and patient risk of exposure to harmful substances
  • Adoption of new recommendations from the CDC when necessary

These regulations are crucial in our day-to-day routine in order to keep our staff and our patients safe and protected from potential hazards. We take these regulations very seriously and ensure that our team is educated on these guidelines – and follow them everyday!

ADA & CDC

In addition to OSHA, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have a set of infection control recommendations for dental offices. Most recently, the CDC released a document in 2016 complete with tools and recommendations that help us follow basic expectations for safe care.

At Smile Hilliard, we employ the best labs in the industry, strictly following infection control procedures to maintain sterilization of the restorations that are fabricated outside of our office. Our patients can rest assured that they will experience a safe dental appointment, all in an environment that is comfortable and feels like home.

What to Expect at Smile Hilliard

When visiting Smile Hilliard for your routine checkup or dental procedure, you’ll notice us practicing a number of steps for proper Safety & Sterilization, including:

  • Wearing gloves, face masks, and eye protection while in exam/procedure areas
  • Cleaning and sterilizing instruments before use
  • Utilizing appropriate disposal of single-use products and plastic barriers
  • Having a designated area for items prone to cross-contamination

We’re committed to putting our patients at the forefront of our practice – meaning your comfort, health, and safety is our number one concern. Make an appointment today to experience top notch safety and dental care.

We are committed to the best dental solutions for you and your family. Life is complicated. Dentistry doesn't have to be!

At our office in Hilliard, Ohio, Dr. Rachel Sanyk and the Smile Hilliard team are fully committed to providing our patients with the very best in general dentistry with comprehensive preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and therapeutic services.

Patient Testimonials

Smile Hilliard always goes above and beyond! Staff exudes professionalism. The cleanliness and overall aesthetic of the office is top notch. I’ve been going here for several years, before and after pandemic. Highly recommend!

- Josephine C

We’re proud of how our treatments can transform the lives of our patients! Click the link below to read more of our reviews.

This is hands down the best experience I have ever had at the dentist. Extremely professional and courteous staff. They numbed me for a filling today and I felt no pain at all. They let you pick a show to watch while they work.

- Samiya S

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