A recent news report begins with “(Reuters) – A Tulsa, Oklahoma, health center on Saturday began drawing blood samples from patients who may have been exposed to viruses at an oral surgery dental practice that is under investigation.”
The report states that as many as seven thousand people may have been affected by the unsafe practices conducted in a specific dental office, practices that could have and should have been to a higher standard. According to investigators, there were “multiple sterilization issues, multiple cross-contamination issues, (and) the drug cabinet was unlocked and unattended” in this dental practice of more than three decades.
Hearing such news can be alarming. However, this is so far outside of normal that our patients can feel safe and comfortable knowing they are in good hands in our dental practice in Los Angeles. Nationwide, there have been only three documented cases of dental infection since 1991. Within our practice, there have been no issues.
How to ensure your safety at the dentist
Downtown Dental is committed to the provision of friendly, compassionate care with the highest possible standards. Whether you have been a longstanding patient, or are new to our practice, we invite you to ask any questions you have regarding our training, education, certifications, or techniques. Upon visiting us, you will find:
- Clean, uncluttered examination rooms with appropriate flooring for optimal cleanliness. We understand that a high level of organization is needed for safe, effective, streamlined care, and ensure our office is set up in such a way to facilitate this. Between each patient, our examination rooms are cleaned and disinfected, including drills and other tools.
- Appropriate receptacles for the disposal of sharp objects, such as needles that are not reused. Although our containers may not be immediately visible, they are in place and you may ask to see them if you wish.
- Sterilization equipment is kept in proper working order, and inspected regularly as required by state law. Dental tools that are not disposable are disinfected with an autoclave, which effectively kills bacteria. When your dentist chooses tools for your oral examination or treatment, they will be removed from a sealed bag on our treatment tray.
You visit your dentist as a way to preserve health. At Downtown Dental, we help you achieve this goal with effective safety protocols. Please contact us with your questions, we are happy to listen to your concerns and show you how we work.
