The importance of sterilization and infection control
At Grand Dental Arts, we adhere strictly to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Association) and CDC (Center for Disease Control) guidelines for sterilization and infection control. We know that it is important to stay up-to-date on new guidance or rulings that might be issued, especially during today’s COVID-19 pandemic. Our patients’ and staff’s safety is the top priority, and we provide various sterilization and infection control methods within our practice in Toms River, New Jersey. While we have always been prudent about cleaning and sterilization processes within our office, we also implement additional safety measures. This includes:
- Using a non-toxic hypochlorous acid fogger after every appointment
- Both internal and external suction devices to capture droplets and aerosols during treatments
- Purell hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the office
- Medical-grade air filtration in all areas of the office
- Halo LED filtration in our HVAC system, providing treatment of every cubic inch of air-conditioned space in the office
- Enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by all staff members
- Paperless forms and enhanced email capabilities for fewer touching of surfaces
- Disinfectant sweep completed every half hour in bathrooms, on desk areas, and on all door handles throughout the facility
- Wait-in-car policy and longer appointment times to minimize contact with other patients in the office and waiting room
Understanding hypochlorous acid
Hypochlorous acid, or HOCI, is a powerful, non-toxic oxidant that can fight fungi, bacteria, and viruses. HOCI is naturally made by your white blood cells for healing and protection against bacteria in everyday life. Compared to chlorine bleach, it is up to 80 times more effective at killing microbial pathogens.
What is fogging?
At our office, we fog the public spaces regularly to kill and destroy viruses, including COVID-19, between patients. Each morning, the HOCI solution is made in our office with water, salt, and vinegar and is used regularly as fog and mist.
Learn more about the importance of sterilization and infection control in our practice
Dr. Colleen Williamson of Toms River, NJ, understands how vital it is to provide a safe and healthy environment for herself, her staff, and her patients. If you want to learn more about our office, call 732-286-7000 and visit us at 14 Grand Avenue.