Program Manual - Saint Louis University

7. Bulk disposal items, such as cements, should only be dispensed in anticipated use
amounts. Unused amounts must be discarded and not returned to their bulk
containers. Single use packaging should be used whenever possible.
8. Any items not suitable for heat sterilization must be clinically disinfected in a
manner designed to render it free of infection.
a. Scrub with detergent and brush over sink to remove “Bioburden”. Rinse.
b. Spray with a disinfectant and leave wet for 10 minutes.
c. Rinse under water before use.
9. Sterilized and disinfected items should be stored in a manner designed to maintain
the initial degree of asepsis’. Individually closed packaging is desired. Bulk closed
packaging is a secondary choice. Loose non-packaged items are not acceptable and
must be considered contaminated and require re-sterilization before patient use.
Clinic Protocol
DO NOT WEAR GLOVES in hall, at dispensing window, in waiting room, meeting
patients, on phone, making appointments.
Washing Gloves
Do not Wash Gloves for Infection Control Purposes or for reuse.
NEW GLOVES MUST BE USED FOR EACH PATIENT.
Set-up for the day
1. Wash hands and put on gloves.
2. Flush all waterlines for at least 3 minutes to reduce any microorganisms that may
remain overnight.
Preparing for the patient
1. Flush all waterlines for 30 seconds between patients.
2. If the operatory has not been prepared, clean and disinfect the unit with an EPA
registered tuberculocidal disinfectant capable of killing both lipophilic and hydrophilic
microorganisms at used dilution. Cleaning may also be accomplished by using soap
and water prior to surface disinfection.
3. The environment of the clinic must always be clean and neat. Cover surfaces that
will be contaminated, but not cleaned and disinfected between patients, with approved
barriers.
Any surfaces (horizontal and vertical) within 3 feet of the patient’s mouth must be
considered contaminated after providing treatment that produces spatter. Therefore
cabinet doors and drawers must be closed during treatment. However, only surfaces
that are touched must be cleaned and disinfected or have disposable covers changed
between patients.
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