Catching a disease or infection in the dental office is a situation that still has a lot of controversy, but we cannot deny the possibility, that is why we have "universal precautions" to prevent disease spreading. It is important for patients to know such precautions and to ask for them when going to other dental or medical offices.

The physical aspect of the office is very important, cleanliness is a sign that the working area is ready for treatment, working cabinets should look clean and orderly, and without exaggerated amounts of stuff on them. Working areas on the dental unit and chair, like the headrest, dental light handles, dental unit (where the air-water syringe and handpieces or drills are), saliva ejector, all these should be covered with plastic to avoid contamination. If they are not covered, it means they should be disinfected between patients, which needs at least 10 minutes of contact with a disinfecting solution.

 Obviously the doctor and assistant should wear gloves, mask, eye goggles and preferably a jacket to cover street clothes. Metal instruments should be clean and sterile. Don´t hesitate to ask about the sterilizing method used in the office you are going to. It could be one of 3 types, dry heat, pressurized steam or pressurized chemicals. Submerging instruments in liquids only disinfects does not sterilize, and these liquids should be renewed constantly.

Some articles should be disposable, like needles, scalpel blades, saliva ejectors, rubber cups or brushes used to polish teeth. Handpieces and triple syringe tips should also be sterilized or at least disinfected between patients.

There are many security measures that protect the patient´s health, we all have the right to ask for and receive them.