The most important piece of equipment
in our sterility protocol is the Statim Sterilizer, a pressurized
steam sterilizing autoclave. All of our instruments used in the
mouth are ultrasonically cleaned and then sterilized in this
machine.
On a monthly basis, Biological indicators, a calibrated preparation
of bacterial spores placed in an inert carrier, are placed into the
statim Sterilizer. After sterilization, the test strip is then sent
to the Oral Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry at the
University of British Columbia. It is then cultured and analyzed.
The report is immediately phoned in to our office and followed up
by a written test report.
This is the only way to determine and know for sure that the
sterilizer is working properly.
2. Independent
Bottled Water Supply
Our dental unit water supply is not
connected to the city water line. Our units have their own self
contained water supply. We use filtered water (5 stage with reverse
osmosis) treated with Adec’s ICX treatment tablets.
Amalgam waste is separated to prevent
polluting our environment. It is placed along the vacuum suction
line to prevent amalgam from entering the drain lines which
ultimate goes out to our environment.
An AED is used to treat cardiac
arrest. It is a life-saving device because cardiac arrest is a
sudden condition that is fatal if not treated within a few
minutes.