Sterilization Technology

At Wainright and Wassel DDS, patient safety and hygiene are paramount. We understand that a clean environment is essential to delivering quality dental care, which is why we employ state-of-the-art sterilization technology to ensure that every instrument and surface meets the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.

Our sterilization process begins with the use of dry heat sterilizers for our hand instruments and a steam autoclave for dental handpieces. These methods are proven to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, ensuring that every tool we use is thoroughly disinfected. For instruments that cannot withstand high temperatures, we utilize cold sterilization methods that are equally effective in maintaining a sterile environment.

We don’t stop at just sterilizing our instruments; we go the extra mile to ensure that our sterilization processes are working as they should. All our sterilizers are subject to weekly testing to verify their effectiveness. Additionally, we use indicator strips within each sterilization bag, which change color to confirm that the contents have been properly sterilized. This dual-layer approach gives us—and our patients—confidence that the tools we use are completely safe.

Once sterilized, our instruments are stored in sealed, closed cabinets to prevent any contamination. We also make extensive use of plastic barriers on our dental chairs and other equipment, which are replaced after each patient to maintain a sterile environment. Our commitment to cleanliness extends to our surgical setups, where we use only sterile water to further reduce the risk of infection.

Our team is rigorously trained in infection control practices. Every member of our staff undergoes comprehensive training when they join our practice, with biannual retraining sessions to ensure that everyone is up to date with the latest protocols and regulations set by the State of North Carolina. This ongoing education ensures that we are always at the forefront of infection control, providing you with a safe environment for all your dental needs.