Infection controls and universal precautions protect clients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone in a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with Dr. Tummala and receive a straightforward answer.
Dr. Tummala and our entire team follow procedures recommended by several federal agencies: the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
These measures include:
- Disinfectant hand soap
- Gloves and face masks
- Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
- Sterilization of all equipment before every use
- Disposable materials
We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental hand pieces. We use an autoclave, a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat and pressure.
The best defense against disease is information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are instruments cleaned between patients?
Instruments are cleaned and then sterilized between every single patient, and sterilization is a different and more rigorous thing than disinfection. Sterilized instruments are kept sealed in their pouches until they are opened in front of you at your appointment. If you would like to see how it works, ask, because we would rather show you than have you wonder.
Why are some things thrown away instead of sterilized?
Because for certain items, single use is the safer standard. Anything that cannot be reliably sterilized, or that is designed to be used once, is disposed of after your appointment rather than reprocessed. Needles, gloves, barriers, suction tips and similar items fall into that group. Reusing them would be cheaper and it is not something any properly run practice does.
Why does the team change gloves and wash hands so often?
Because it is the single most effective thing in the whole protocol. Hands and gloves are the most likely route for anything to travel between surfaces or between people, so gloves change between patients and at any point during treatment where contamination is possible. If it looks excessive, that is rather the point.
How do I know these standards are actually being followed?
Ask, and expect a straight answer. The practice follows procedures recommended by the recognized national health agencies, and Dr. Tummala is happy to talk you through what happens between appointments. This is one of the few areas where a patient really cannot verify things by looking, so a practice that is reluctant to discuss it openly is telling you something.
What should I tell you if I am unwell or immunocompromised?
Tell us as early as you can, ideally when booking. Standard precautions apply to every patient regardless, but knowing about a condition that affects your immune system, a recent illness or a medication that suppresses immunity lets us plan properly, including the timing of your appointment. If you are actively unwell on the day, call us rather than coming in.