Instrument sterilization
Every instrument used in a patient's mouth is single-use disposable or sterilized in an FDA-cleared autoclave between patients. We run regular biological-spore testing to verify every cycle works.
New Patients · Infection Control
Sterile, safe, and serious about it.
Our infection-control program meets every OSHA and CDC standard for dental practice. Here is how we run it.
You will not see most of our infection-control work — that is the point. It happens behind the scenes, between visits, and on a strict schedule that does not deviate. We are happy to walk you through any of it. Below is the short version of how we keep every operatory ready for the next patient.
Operatory turnover
Between patients, the operatory is disinfected with hospital-grade surface disinfectants on every touched surface — chair controls, light handles, counter tops, computer keyboards, and water lines.
Personal protective equipment
Gloves, masks, eyewear, and gowns are worn appropriately for each procedure and changed between patients. Our team is trained on proper donning, doffing, and disposal.
Water line safety
Dental unit water lines are treated and monitored to meet ADA and CDC water-quality standards. We use anti-retraction valves and routine flushing to prevent biofilm buildup.
Sharps & medical waste
All sharps go into puncture-resistant containers and are disposed of through a licensed medical-waste service. We never reuse anything that should be single-use.
Staff training & certification
Every team member completes annual OSHA bloodborne pathogen training and stays current on CDC dental infection-control guidance. We update our protocols whenever guidelines change.
Standards we follow.
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard — annual training, exposure control plan, and protective equipment requirements.
- CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings — the federal standard for dental sterilization and surface disinfection.
- ADA Council on Scientific Affairs guidance — water line treatment, instrument processing, and PPE.
- Virginia Department of Health Professions — licensing and inspection compliance for every Virginia dental practice.
If you have questions about any of our protocols — including what we do in response to a specific concern — please ask. We will gladly walk you through the sterilization area.