4 minute read
Instrument reprocessing without the “black box” or “magic window”
When students are undergoing clinical training at dental school and there is a lot to learn, their attention is focussed on patient care, rather than on all of the “back of house” support functions that keep the clinic running, like the sterilising room. Instrument reprocessing is not handled by students, who will drop off used dirty instruments to the sterilising room and collect sterilised instruments from a dispensary, often without thinking very much about the “Black Box” of instrument reprocessing, or all the hard work that has gone on behind the “Magic Window” of the dispensary to make the instruments fit and safe for re-use.
Students need to understand what happens behind the “Magic Window”, since the responsibility for proper instrument reprocessing sits on the clinicians who are using the instruments in patient care. Dental clinicians need to understand the scope and importance of proper reprocessing and how it impacts the entire practice. It is more than just prevention cross contamination, since the processes must also be right from both a safety and compliance standpoint. There are several regulators that oversee infection prevention and control in dentistry - including the Dental Board of Australia and the public health units in states and territories.
INFINITY SERIES™
The most sophisticated solution for instrument management
The most sophisticated solution for instrument management
That’s right, you deserve it. You deserve the peace of mind and confidence of knowing that you are employing the most contemporary method of processing instruments. As dentistry’s innovator of the cassette-based instrument management system, Hu-Friedy is proud to bring you the modern design and functionality of the Infinity Series Cassettes which include:
That’s right, you deserve it. You deserve the peace of mind and confidence of knowing that you are employing the most contemporary method of processing instruments. As dentistry’s innovator of the cassette-based instrument management system, Hu-Friedy is proud to bring you the modern design and functionality of the Infinity Series Cassettes which include:
Ensure predictable outcomes for your littlest patients with Hu-Friedy Stainless Steel Pedo Crowns. You’ll quickly discover why dentists favor our impeccable fit. Perfect for your patients. Easy for you. Because when it comes to the perfect fit, Hu-Friedy
Ensure predictable outcomes for your littlest patients with Hu-Friedy Stainless Steel Pedo Crowns. You’ll quickly discover why dentists favor our impeccable fit. Perfect for your patients. Easy for you. Because when it comes to the perfect fit, Hu-Friedy is just right.
• An open hole pattern that promotes water flow throughout the cassette
• An open hole pattern that promotes water flow throughout the cassette when it comes to the perfect fit, Hu-Friedy is just right.
• An open hole pattern that promotes water flow throughout
Ensure predictable outcomes for your littlest patients with Hu-Friedy Stainless Steel Pedo Crowns. You’ll quickly discover why dentists favor our impeccable fit. Perfect for your patients. Easy for you. Because when it comes to the perfect fit, Hu-Friedy is just right.
WHY DENTISTS LOVE OUR STAINLESS STEEL PEDO CROWNS:
©2016
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• Color-coded silicone rail system that significantly reduces instrument contact and allows for more water flow while protecting the instruments during reprocessing
WHY DENTISTS LOVE OUR STAINLESS STEEL PEDO CROWNS:
• Color-coded silicone rail system that significantly reduces instrument contact and allows for more water flow while protecting the instruments during reprocessing
WHY DENTISTS LOVE OUR STAINLESS STEEL PEDO CROWNS:
• Ideal height and mesio-distal width
• Easy-to-use, ergonomic latch that allows for one-handed opening
• Ideal height and mesio-distal
• Easy-to-use, ergonomic latch that allows for one-handed opening
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• Ideal height and mesio-distal width
• Pre-trimmed and pre-crimped for simple placement
• Accurate occlusal anatomy that matches the natural tooth
Performing at your best means having confidence in what you do. Experience Infinity Series™ Cassettes, and improve the efficiency of your practice, while helping protect your patients, your staff and your instrument investment.
Performing at your best means having confidence in what you do. Experience Infinity Series™ Cassettes, and improve the efficiency of your practice, while helping protect your patients, your staff and your instrument investment.
• Pre-trimmed and pre-crimped for simple placement
• Accurate occlusal anatomy that matches the natural tooth
©2016 Hu-Fried y Mfg. Co., LLC. All rights reserved.
Younger clinicians often don’t realise that while they might assign the instrument reprocessing tasks to their staff, they are ultimately responsible for ensuring their practice is meeting all required standards. These clinicians need to have a good understanding of the steps in reprocessing. This aspect is also important when bringing on a new staff member.
So, to both inform and refresh, here are three key insights about instrument reprocessing:
1. Instrument Management Systems improve efficiency and safety
2. Instrument reprocessing requires specific PPE
Proper PPE must always be worn when reprocessing contaminated patient equipment. This includes using gloves when handling instruments and cassettes following patient treatment and utility gloves in the sterilising room when loading cassettes into ultrasonic cleaners or into instrument washers. Utility gloves should not be bulky and should enable tactical sensitivity. Contaminated utility gloves should only be worn on the dirty side of the sterilisation area and should be disinfected according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Instrument reprocessing is a patient showcase opportunity
More than ever, patients are looking for reassurance that dental practices are emphasising infection prevention and control and instrument reprocessing can be a good aspect of the practice to showcase.
Instrument reprocessing takes time and handling contaminated instruments is a safety risk for staff. Instrument Management Systems like the IMS™ Cassette from Hu-Friedy address those challenges because they are designed to keep instruments organized and intact throughout the entire process, from cleaning to chairside. Many dental schools already use cassettes for this reason, so some students will already be familiar with the concept.
IMS cassettes eliminate time-consuming tasks like manual instrument cleaning and sorting, while making it easy to standardise procedural set-ups and to train new staff. Those small time-savings throughout the day add-up and lead to more time spent with patients in the chair.
Cassettes provide safety benefits because the handling of contaminated sharp items is minimised. The instruments stay secured throughout the entire reprocessing cycle, reducing the risk of injury or exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Instrument Management Systems provide better efficiency and improved safety, which is ultimately a win-win for all involved in instrument reprocessing.
As an example, some practices feature a glass wall or large internal windows into the sterilising room to give patients an opportunity to view reprocessing and see the steps being performed. Additionally, the practice website can give patients a virtual tour of the sterilising room so they can see for themselves how much effort the practice puts into cleanliness, organisation and safety.
If your practice uses IMS Cassettes, you can open the cassette in front of the patient as a demonstration. A well-organised and nicely presented cassette can make a world of difference when compared to a tray of loosely arranged instruments.
