Sterilization
After each procedure, the dental assistants take care of sterilizing the dental instruments following strict protocols.
The instruments used are either single-use or sterilized in an autoclave, just like in hospitals, and are stored in heat-sealed pouches that are opened in front of the patient.
The sterilization protocol involves immersing the instruments in an enzymatic disinfectant solution within an ultrasonic bath to allow for the detachment of particles and organic materials, even those that are not visible. They are then washed, dried, sealed in pouches, and sterilized by steam in the autoclave at 135°C for 45 minutes (a Class B autoclave, currently the best available on the market, which sterilizes evenly throughout the chamber).
Additionally, periodic tests are performed to check the proper functioning of the autoclave and its effectiveness against bacteria, viruses, and spores (helix test, vacuum test, bowie-dick test, bacterial testing with spores in an incubator, vapor line).
All surfaces in the office are protected with single-use films and are washed, dried, and disinfected after each patient to ensure the elimination of all microorganisms, spores, or toxins, even the most resistant ones.