Periodontal Practice Safety Protocols and Standards

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Required PPE for Clinical Staff

• Surgical masks (Level 3 or higher)
• Protective eyewear with side shields
• Disposable gloves (nitrile preferred)
• Fluid-resistant gowns
• Hair covers
• Closed-toe shoes

2. Sterilization and Disinfection

Instrument Processing

1. Pre-cleaning and debris removal
2. Ultrasonic cleaning
3. Inspection and packaging
4. Steam sterilization
5. Storage in sterile conditions

Surface Disinfection

• Use EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants
• Follow proper contact times
• Clean surfaces between each patient

3. Aerosol Management

Required Protocols

• High-volume evacuation (HVE) for all procedures
• Rubber dam when applicable
• Pre-procedural mouth rinse
• HEPA air filtration systems

4. Patient Screening

Pre-appointment

• Medical history review
• Temperature checks
• COVID-19 screening questions
• Blood pressure monitoring

5. Emergency Protocols

Medical Emergencies

• Emergency kit accessibility
• AED location and maintenance
• Emergency contact numbers
• Staff roles during emergencies

6. Infection Control Documentation

Daily Checks

• Sterilizer monitoring logs
• Temperature logs for refrigerated items
• Waterline testing results
• Spore testing records

7. Staff Safety

Requirements

• Updated vaccinations
• Annual OSHA training
• Bloodborne pathogen training
• Regular safety meetings

8. Waste Management

Protocols

• Sharps disposal
• Regulated medical waste handling
• Chemical waste disposal
• General waste segregation

9. Quality Assurance

Monthly Reviews

• Protocol compliance checks
• Equipment maintenance records
• Staff competency assessments
• Incident reports review