| Dental clinics have been a focus of attention as dental instruments are possible agents for pathogenic transmission from patient to patient, from patient to doctor. With the increasing risk of cross infections by Hepatitis B and HIV viruses, the dental facilities are bound to observe the same stringent rules in sterilization of instruments, and disinfection/maintenance of the operatories. |
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| Sterilization is the complete elimination or destruction of all forms of microbial life and is accomplished in healthcare facilities by either physical or chemical processes. Disinfection describes a process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects with the exception of bacterial spores. Method of sterilization that may be used for these instruments and materials that are heat stable include steam under pressure (autoclave), chemical (formaldehyde) vapour, and dry heat. |
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| Out of these three methods steam under pressure i.e. autoclaving is the most dependable method of sterilization, where the instruments are exposed to steam under pressure of 15 pounds at 121 degree Celsius for 15 minutes. |
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| Savlon Dip |
| After use the instruments from each patient are dipped in saturated solution of Savlon for 24 hours |
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| Autoclaving |
| After scrubbing and washing these instruments, they are properly wrapped and subjected to autoclaving cycle in a steam autoclave. |
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| Storage |
| After the sterilization cycle of 121 degree Celsius for 15 minutes and 15 pounds pressure is complete, the instruments are taken out of the drums and stored in a U.V cabinet where UV rays keep them sterilized for 24 hours. |
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