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INFECTION CONTROL 
Protecting both our patients and our staff from the possibility of infection has always been a priority in this practice. It is for that reason that we did not wait for the government to issue regulations before we instituted many safety procedures in our office that serve to ensure the well-being both of our patients and of our staff.
It was also no surprise to us to read the results of a survey conducted by the federal agency, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). The majority of patients surveyed were shown to be "very concerned" about protection from infection during office visits. Most patients said that they would not take for granted an office's compliance to infection control regulations. Unanimously, the people surveyed felt that the new OSHA rules were "a good idea." 
This is such an important issue. Here are just some of the things we do . . . 1. Autoclave (steam sterilization) of all instruments and handpieces 2. Use of "disposables" including air-water syringe tips, burs (drill bits), suction tips, prophy angles (the end pieces on the cleaning instruments), needles, masks, gloves, seat headrests, and bibs (napkins/coverups) 3. Use of medical "linens" such as surgical scrubs, gowns, tunics and lab coats- worn by all direct patient care providers (anyone who comes directly in contact with you, the patient) 4. Use of protective gear such as eyeglasses with side shields 5. Special procedures to dispose of any potentially infectious materials or hazardous waste 6. Hepatitis B vaccinations made available to all direct patient care providers 7. Thorough disinfecting and cleaning of all "contact" areas 8. Staff training to conform to OSHA regulations, as well as other procedures relating to infection control We want to assure you that we will continue to take every possible care to provide you with dental treatment under conditions of the utmost safety. We understand that even a thorough patient medical history cannot identify every patient with an infectious disease, so the blood of all dental patients is treated as if it were infectious. Known as UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS, this approach ensures you a maximum degree of protection.  We are committed to ensuring your safety and protecting your health, at every level of your care in our office. Take a moment. Look around. At Dentists' Office of the Hudson Valley you will see that there are systems and procedures in place to follow and exceed the infection control standards that are set for dental offices. There are procedures you can see as well as many procedures you might not see. All are in place to make certain that your care is safe care! If you ever have any questions or suggestions about infection control in our office, please do not hesitate to tell us or ask us.
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