There is no greater priority at our office than infection control for protection of our patients and ourselves from contagious diseases. We are committed to Universal Precautions, which are safety guidelines established by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention along with the American Dental Association to prevent transmission of all infectious disease, including the Covid 19 virus (coronavirus).
Many of our disinfection, sterilization and disposal procedures take place away from your view. Before you enter the treatment room, all surfaces including counter tops, the dental chair, x-ray unit and dental light are cleaned and disinfected with special disinfectant wipes.
We use protective barrier covers on items such as the dental headrest, dental unit and light handles which are discarded after each patient. Blood or saliva contaminated items such as sharps [needles] are placed in special containers. We exercise strict precautions in handling and disposing our hazardous waste materials.
Whenever possible, we use disposable materials and instruments that are used only once. Non-disposable instruments and dental handpieces are sterilized at very high temperatures in a special sterilization area after each use. If you would like to see how this is done, ask our staff to show you.
All used instruments are run through our Biosonic Ultrasonic cleaner which uses cavitation to remove debris from the instruments. 
The instruments are then dried and placed in sterilization pouches which are placed in our Statim sterilization autoclaves. 
These Maxima pouches use Sure-Check technology. Internal and external indicators (upper left corner) that only change color when all 3 criteria have been met: Time, temperature and steam. The 2 upper left corner triangles should turn dark brown after proper sterilization. 
We have 2 state of the art Statim autoclaves in which the bagged instruments are run through. These autoclaves are tested weekly with biologic spore test kits to ensure that they are working properly.
Our staff is required to wear protective clothing, gloves, masks and eye wear when performing dental procedures. The gloves are discarded after each patient, and our hands are washed or hand sanitized before putting on a new pair of gloves. These barriers are used to prevent cross-contamination of airborne infections between patients and/or staff.
Fear of infection or disease should not keep you from your dental appointment. At Judy Huey DDS, PC in Scottsdale, we have made infection control a priority in both philosophy and in the action steps we have undertaken.
Be well and stay healthy Everyone!
Exceptional post Dr. Judy. Thank you for your concern for your patients, our safety, and our comfort. You have always gone above and beyond in everything you do and I for one appreciate you and your staff for that.
Joan Cannon
Thank you Joan for your kind feedback.
What a great article. You have always led by example. The care you give puts our minds at ease and allows us to put our complete trust in your hands. This is reflected by articles like this and many others that you have sent out to all of your patients. All the steps that happen behind the scenes ensure your patients will be fine under your watch. I have totally confidence every time I enter your office. Thank you Dr. Judy for protecting all of us, yourself and your staff.
Thank you Rosemary. I appreciate the trust that you have in me and my dental team.
I appreciate this article (and the others) that I receive from you! This is such an informative article. I already had complete confidence in you and your staff, but it was interesting how much goes on that we, as patients, don’t realize. Thank you for taking such good care of us!!
You’re very welcome Barbara. It’s been my pleasure seeing you.