3 common infection control mistakes — and how to fix them
Infection control is one of the most important responsibilities in a dental practice. But, in such a fast-paced environment, routine steps can sometimes be overlooked. Even the most experienced dental assistants can make mistakes that may put patients, team members, and the practice’s reputation at risk.
“Infection control should always be key in any office,” says Katrina. “It makes a difference in my practice by helping prevent the spread of infections, ensuring patient safety, and maintaining a clean and healthy environment.”
Proper infection control can also shape a patient’s experience and trust in the care they receive. A recent survey found that 57% of patients are concerned about germs in the dental office — and only one in four patients said their office has ever talked to them about how they keep treatment areas clean and safe.
Lyneshia says, “By ensuring that instruments are properly sterilized and treatment areas are thoroughly disinfected between patients, I help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and promote patient safety. I also educate patients on the importance of infection prevention measures and help reassure them that their health and well-being are a top priority.”
Here are some of the most common infection control mistakes, according to dental assistants, and their insights on how they approach this aspect of their roles.
Improper PPE use
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is part of a dental assistant’s daily routine. Sometimes, especially on busy days, simple mistakes can happen where a dental assistant forgets to use hand sanitizer one time or have their mask properly positioned during a procedure. While these slip-ups may seem small in the moment, they can potentially spread infection throughout the office.
Dental assistants are constantly interacting with patients, instruments, equipment, and clinical surfaces — which makes attention to proper PPE especially important. Slowing down to make sure you practice hand hygiene and that your mask is worn correctly can prevent a small oversight from becoming a much larger concern.
Mahzabin shares, “Since becoming a dental assistant, my training has further strengthened my understanding of infection prevention. I consistently follow sterilization procedures, use appropriate PPE, maintain a clean clinical environment, and follow infection control protocols to protect patients and the dental team. These practices help reduce the risk of disease transmission and ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care.”
Incorrect instrument and equipment sterilization
A core part of a dental assistant’s job is staying on top of instrument sterilization and ensuring equipment is properly cleaned and disinfected. The pressure to keep up on busy days can make simple mistakes more likely — potentially compromising infection control standards.
Maybe too many sterilization packs are placed inside the autoclave at once, or you miss wiping down a clinical-contact surface in an exam room. No matter how hectic the day gets, taking the time to follow proper infection control protocols is crucial for keeping patients and the entire dental team safe. You can also research best practices for sterilization and disinfection in your own time to further expand your knowledge in this area.
“I always ensure everything being used has been properly sterilized, and if not, I immediately bring it to sterilization,” says Tiffany, LDA. “I always ask myself, ‘How would you want things done if it were someone you loved in the chair?’”
If you want to strengthen your sterilization skills, take the time to review your practice’s instrument and equipment cleaning, disinfection and sterilization protocols, or take a continuing education course. Also, keeping up with sterilization logs helps your coworkers stay informed of which instruments are ready to be used.
Mishandling disposable materials
It can be tricky to determine whether an instrument or piece of equipment is single-use or reusable. If you’re unfamiliar with a certain product, double-check the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging to determine if an item is single-use or reusable.
To prevent this issue, consider talking with your team to determine the best way to organize equipment in the office. Consider labeling all single-use products so there’s no confusion or have a workshop to confirm all staff members are properly trained. These safeguards can lessen the risk of germs spreading and help keep all patients safe.
Carolyn, LDA, says, “The ability for patients to see all the disposable personal-care items for both patients and providers lends itself to patient comfort — knowing they are well taken care of and that our exceptional team goes the extra mile to keep everyone safe.”
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