Is it a requirement for an orthodontic office to have sterialized tools in steri!
Question: I have noticed that each time I brought my son to his orthodontic office, the tools that he used were not in sterialized bags. My sister and I have questioned him and his dental assistant about it and the dental assistant told me that the tools are sterialized but some tools do not need to be in sterialized bags because in orthodontic office, the patients do not bleed much. I am really concerned about the hygiene in his office and mentioned to his assistant that for my son's and also other patients' protection, all sterialized tools should be in sterialized bags. I want to know where I can go to report this.
Answers: I have noticed that each time I brought my son to his orthodontic office, the tools that he used were not in sterialized bags. My sister and I have questioned him and his dental assistant about it and the dental assistant told me that the tools are sterialized but some tools do not need to be in sterialized bags because in orthodontic office, the patients do not bleed much. I am really concerned about the hygiene in his office and mentioned to his assistant that for my son's and also other patients' protection, all sterialized tools should be in sterialized bags. I want to know where I can go to report this.
Any and all intraoral instruments have to be scrubbed, rinsed, put through the ultrasonic cleaner, rinsed, dried, bagged (date of bagging and assistant's initials on the bag) and strerilized. It's that simple.
The bags can be opened in front of the patient, as well as a fresh cup and suction tip be placed. Then there's no question about whether or not the items are from the previous patient and already used.....
Apparently the dental assistants in the office forgot what they learned in regard to infection control. 'The patients don't bleed much'... are you kidding me???? Aside from being careless, it's disgusting.
The office can be reported to the Center for Disease Control, the Better Business Bureau, the state Office of the Professions, the American Dental Association and the state Dental Association/Society. Complaint forms can be found online... just download them.
Good luck to you~
**Edited to say that Medicaid has absolutely NOTHING to do with the sterility of the instruments... the blame lies with both the doctor and the assistants, who should know better....as well as the Answerer who posted this ridiculous comment.
well...I know that when I use my instruments, they get steralized in bags and I take them out before my clients arrive and set up my tray. is it that they are doing that or are they just not steralizing them at all? some places dont open the tools right in front of the clients as it can be overwhelming to them and sometimes frightening for a child. if you are sure they just arent being cleaned then you can report this to the ADA if your in the US or whatever the dental ossaciation is in your area (you can find it online)
ideally yes but u r operating in an area which as such is NOT STERILE!!
what i mean is that as such the oral cavity harbours lots of bacteria and so full sterility may not be required
not everything will come in a bag and most dentists who have been in business a long time, use a sterilizer ( it's in another place in the office...you might have seen it, it looks like a toaster with a lid...sometimes they keep it hidden, so people don't play with it..)
So just because you don't see them take things out of plastic (which dentists won't use, because of the expense), doesn't mean it isn't sterile.
yes. it is a requirement. the state dental codes of law require all orthodontic/dental/periodontic offices to sterilize all re-used equipment. i go to an office where they show you the required sterilization process. you can report it to the government. or you can report it to a dental firm that handles all the local dental offices. hope i was able to help. take care!
I have been a dental assistant for 8 yrs. I am school trained and have been in many dental offices.
If you are that concerned you can report your concern to the ADA (American Dental Association) and the BBB ( better business bureu). I'm not positive, but maybe you can report your concern to your states Environmental Protection Agencey (If not, they may be able to direct you to the proper state agencey.)
I understand your concern and you do have a right to be suspicious, but I can also reasure you that your son's orthodontist DOES NOT want any problems (like a law suit).
In the state of NJ we are required to sterilize all of our instruments, but we do not have to have them in sterile pouches.
As a mother, myself, I agree that all instruments should be in sterile pouches.
Each dental office is different. I work for an office that is very concious of infection and we take all precautions to avoid contamination, but some of our instruments are autoclaved without sterile pouches and placed in drawers.
I do not believe that there is a law that states that all dental instruments must be placed in sterile pouches before sterilization.
Since you have voiced your concern to your orthodontist already, tell him/her that you would be more comfortable with them placing your son's instruments in sterile pouches and ask that they are opened in front of you. This is not an outlandish request. Even if the Dr. becomes agitated with your request ( Dentists' are a rare breed and can become irrate)....they should obey it. If they don't....find another orthodontist.
This could be difficult though. Once ortho treatment is started it is difficult to switch Dr.'s. Most Dr's will not except a patient that is already in treatment.
I am concerned with the response you got from the Dr. They don't use pouches because pt.'s don't bleed as much? What kind of an answer is that?
As an assistant, I have taken microbiology. Blood is only one of the many contaminants!
Does this office accept Medicaid, by any chance? If so...get out of there!