PATIENT INFORMATION

Infection Control

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. Barwick and receive a straightforward answer.

Dr. Barwick 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:

Modern Sterilization Techniques - We sterilize instruments and hand pieces after every patient. We routinely test our sterilization devices for spores, and monitor our technique in order to ensure effectiveness.

Protective Clothing - We use a new pair of disposable gloves after every patient. We also wear face masks, goggles and clinic gowns. To protect our patients' eyes, we offer protective, shaded eyewear.

Surface Cleaning - We clean and disinfect the chair, counters and other surface areas after every patient.

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.