Introduction
In a dental clinic, hygiene is more than a checklist—it’s the foundation of patient trust. Small lapses can lead to infections, while consistent habits build credibility and confidence.
Here are five simple hygiene practices that every clinic team should make part of their daily routine.
1. Hand Hygiene Comes First
Before and after every patient interaction, proper hand washing or sanitization is non-negotiable. Encourage your team to use alcohol-based sanitizers at chairside and follow WHO’s recommended hand-wash steps.
2. Always Use Fresh Masks & Gloves
Reusing masks or gloves is one of the most common infection control errors. Replace them after every patient and store them in clean, dry spaces.
Tip: Keep a dedicated stock of disposable gloves and 3-ply or N95 masks to avoid shortages during busy hours.
3. Sterilize Instruments Correctly
Simply running tools through an autoclave isn’t enough—monitoring matters. Use sterilization pouches with steam/ETO indicators to confirm the process is successful.
Tip: Train staff to check for clear color changes on indicators before reusing instruments.
4. Disinfect Surfaces Regularly
Dental chairs, handles, switches, and counters are high-touch surfaces that can harbor pathogens. Wipe them down with approved disinfectants between each patient.
Tip: Use a standard clinic checklist so no surface is forgotten during busy schedules.
5. Manage Waste Responsibly
Proper disposal of sharps, used bibs, and contaminated waste prevents cross-infection and complies with biomedical waste rules.
Tip: Keep color-coded bins in every room so segregation becomes automatic.
