ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017 12:4 Routine Care
Sterilizers should be inspected and cleaned daily according to manufacture's written IFU. Weekly or other prescribed inspection and cleaning should be specified in the manufacture's written IFU.
Rational: Periodic inspection and cleaning reduce the frequency of equipment malfunction and risk of accidental contamination of sterile items.
Any Dental Device connected to the air/water system that enters the patients mouth should be run to discharge water for a minimum of 20-30 seconds after each patient. this is outlined in the CDC MMWR Guidelines for Infection control in healthcare settings.
Protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, masks and protective eye-ware are used as needed to reduce the risk of exposure of healthcare worker's skin or mucous membranes to blood or OPIM to which standard precautions apply.
CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Setting states dental instruments, devices, and equipment are categorized as critical, semi critical, or non critical depending on the potential risk for infection associated with their intended use. Critical items used to penetrate soft tissue or bone have the greatest risk of transmitting infection and should be sterilized by heat. Have you checked your DFU/IFU lately?
CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings states
Studies of high speed handpiece using die expulsion have confirmed the potential for retracting oral fluids into internal compartments of the device this determination indicates that retained patient material can be expelled intraorally during subsequent uses. Is a wire brush being used to unplug debris during reprocessing?
Talk about it !
Oral Care Setting Impact Testimonials
Without her knowledge the Dental department would not be where it is now. Communication is one of her best skillsets, but she has also been able to create and uphold a structure that is needed for our daily operations to continue to run smoothly.
I would of course recommend Johanne Benoit and her skills. She has crossed trained me in sterile processing, created policies, competency’s that are used to assess Dental Assistants, Hygienist and Dental Providers. It is because of her, I have continued my education beyond Dental Assisting. You will want to better your office and yourself having her around. Guaranteed!
Natali P. DA, Dental Assistant Supervisor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/natali-pena-17a2831a9/
Johanne is a fantastic leader. She pushes her staff to grow and excel in the work they do and teaches them that there is always room to learn and grow. What I love most about working with Johanne is how passionate she is about the work she does in sterile processing and keeping patients safe. Johanne is thorough in her work. She is smart, driven, always learning what is new in the field and always willing to educate others. Johanne goes above and beyond the call of duty for the company, her colleagues and for the patients.
Ariana D. BSN, RN Occupational Health
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariana-demetrio-rn-bsn-28010a80/
During our time working together, I witnessed her transition from the sole reprocessor to manager. She quickly became one of the most valued member of the organization, especially to the Dental Department. She’s the person that everyone went to for questions because of her dedication, hard work ,and knowledge of the job.
She taught each and every employee working in our department the importance sterile processing and its role in patient safety. Which includes cleaning, disinfection, inspection, packaging, sterilization, storage, and transporting instruments from and to the operatory. She has done an exceptional job of changing the process in the Dental department and I’m forever grateful for her.
I believe with Johanne’s talent and ability she will be an assets wherever she goes.
Tyaisha D. DA
Johanne Benoit's skill set and ambition is unmatched to what I've experienced in this field. Her knowledge and commitment to always being ahead of the curve in new technology and procedures, are why I would always recommend her at the top of my list. Johanne's ability to introduce her expertise to her colleagues and those wishing to garner the same career plight in this field has been refreshing to observe. She's been forward thinking and steadfast in all her dealings with this material. This trait should be duplicated and modeled for future professionals to follow.
Michael Ifill B.A. CRCST
Program Director / Lead Instructor Sterile Processing Technology
Mass Bay Comm College
