Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

No. Dental offices use various methods to sterilize and disinfect. All dental instruments are cleaned and then sterilized after each patient’s visit by methods that kill the AIDS virus and other microscopic organisms capable of causing the disease.

Common acceptable sterilization methods include an autoclave that uses steam under pressure, dry heat in an oven like environment and chemical vapor sterilization.

Disinfection procedures are used on surface and equipment that cannot be removed for cleaning and sterilization, such as counter tops, drawer handles, x-ray unit heads and light handles.

Disinfection is done in the treatment room between patients to assure that the room is clean for each patient.

For your protection, we adhere to infection control procedures known as "universal precautions." We use the same infection control measures for every patient. We are always open to discuss our infection control procedures. Please ask us if you have any questions.

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If you have questions, pls call Dr. Valerie de Leon at (650) 697–9000 or visit our website at www.millbraesmiles.com. She is with Millbrae Smile Center located at 15 El Camino Real, Millbrae 94030. She is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, ADA, CDA and SMCDS. Please call for a free consultation.

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published on September 17, 2009 in Asian Journal Northern California p. B2 )