Best Practices for Dental Countertop Decontamination

What is the recommended method for decontaminating dental countertops?

According to the CDC Prevention Guidelines Database, what steps should be taken to ensure proper decontamination of dental countertops?

Answer:

The preferred method of decontamination for dental countertops, according to the CDC Prevention Guidelines Database, is as follows:

After treatment of each patient and at the completion of daily work activities, countertops and dental unit surfaces should be cleaned with disposable toweling. An appropriate cleaning agent should be used, and water should be used as necessary. After cleaning, surfaces should be disinfected with a suitable chemical germicide.

A chemical germicide registered with the EPA as a "hospital disinfectant" and labeled for "tuberculocidal" (i.e., mycobactericidal) activity is recommended for disinfecting surfaces that have been soiled with patient material.

It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure the safety and health of both patients and dental staff in the practice.