Cliff's Notes

Disinfectants Effect on Dental Equipment

Cliff’s Notes For November 10, 2008 …..E-Blast…..
Cliff Marsh, Henry Schein ……
Cell: 201-321-7494……Fax: 201-262-2210…..
cliff.marsh@henryschein.com

Disinfectants & Cleaning Products The Effects on Dental Equipment and the Immediate Environment

Years ago Cidex 7 by Johnson & Johnson was the most widely used cold sterilization solution in the dental industry. Everyone complained about the smell and J&J’s standard response was “we make it to kill things, not smell good.” That statement is very true, glutaraledhydes are among the most dangerous chemical you could have in your office. They need to be handled very carefully and the sad part is that in today’s modern dental office environment, they are not necessary. About 15 years ago a dental assistant in the Bergen County area went to Hackensack Medical Center with symptoms of severe kidney disease. After a regiment of tests, her kidneys seemed to be healthy but were reacting to something. After investigating her personal & work habits it was discovered that she had “glutaraledyde poisoning” it was absorbed through her skin and the vapors were in the environment. After the glutes were removed, her symptoms cleared up. This case was instrumental in the decision that Hackensack Medical made to limit and if possible remove glutes from their environment. For proper sterilization and room preparation procedures, you need to understand the products you are using. The word “sterilize” means the destruction of all living organisms. Remember, people are living organisms. In the dental office, we can not sterilize the treatment room, we can only disinfect it. When disinfecting a room you should use nitrile gloves. Vinyl may have pin holes and latex may have enzymes that will adversely react with the disinfectant that you choose to use. All disinfectant brands will work as long as they are used according to the manufacturers direction. These products are governed by CDC regulation. Some of them may need to be discarded according to DEP regulation. Disinfectants will damage your dental equipment over time. Plastic items and chair upholstery will begin to yellow and eventually hairline cracks will appear. Using barrier products will help protect your cavitrons, curing lights, etc. As far as your chairs & stools, every manufacturer recommends just soap & warm water. However, there is a product made by Palmero Sales called Chair Guard. Palmero is one of those smaller companies that has some great products. Chair Guard is used once at the end of the day. It cleans the upholstery and leaves a protective film that will protect the chair from chemical effects. The product needs to be used every day because the disinfectants will break down the protection after 6-10 room preps. Chair Guard is available in a 14oz aerosol (part # 134-3649) or by the quart (part # 134-4747). Chair Guard has a smell that will dissipate quickly. It is best used at the end of the day. As always, I am available if you should have any questions or concerns (201-321-7494). Cliff’s Notes is a client exclusive service.

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October 16, 2009 - Posted by Cliff's Notes Blog | 1