Cleaning Protocols for Dental Clinics During COVID-19
Cleaning protocols for dental clinics have to go well beyond a standard office clean, pandemic or not. Dental clinics play a crucial role in maintaining oral health, but they can also be high-risk environments for the transmission of infectious diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential for dental clinics to implement strict cleaning protocols to protect patients and staff. This article will discuss important cleaning procedures for dental clinics to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Key Areas for Focus
- Dental Equipment: Thoroughly clean and disinfect all dental equipment, including dental drills, handpieces, and suction devices.
- Surfaces: Clean and disinfect all surfaces, including countertops, chairs, and doorknobs.
- Patient Areas: Clean and disinfect patient areas, such as waiting rooms, treatment rooms, and bathrooms.
- Air Quality: Improve air quality by increasing ventilation and using air purifiers.
Cleaning Procedures
- Pre-Cleaning: Clean and disinfect all surfaces before and after each patient.
- Equipment Sterilization: Sterilize dental equipment using autoclaves or other approved methods.
- Disinfectant Use: Use TGA-listed, hospital-grade disinfectants that are effective against COVID-19.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure that dental staff wear appropriate PPE, including masks, gloves, gowns, and eye protection.
Additional Infection Control Tips
- Patient Screening: Screen patients for symptoms of COVID-19 before their appointments.
- Social Distancing: Maintain social distancing measures in waiting rooms and other common areas.
- Limited Staff: Reduce the number of staff members in the clinic to minimize contact.
- Regular Training: Provide regular training to staff on proper cleaning procedures and infection control.
Ongoing Infection Control, Beyond the Pandemic
By following these cleaning protocols, dental clinics can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and create a safe environment for patients and staff. It is essential to stay updated on the latest guidelines from health authorities and adapt cleaning procedures as needed.
How Often Should a Dental Clinic Be Cleaned?
A dental clinic needs a full clean at the end of every trading day at minimum, with treatment rooms wiped down and equipment sterilised between every single patient — not just at day’s end. Waiting rooms and reception areas typically need attention several times a day given the constant turnover of patients, and bathrooms should be checked and restocked on a similar rhythm. Busier practices running back-to-back appointments often benefit from a mid-shift touch-up on high-traffic areas rather than waiting for the end-of-day clean to catch everything.
These aren’t just pandemic-era measures — sterile equipment, disinfected patient areas, and proper PPE are baseline infection control for any dental clinic, regardless of what’s circulating in the community that month. If your practice is reviewing cleaning protocols as part of a broader compliance check, our guide to clinic cleaning compliance in Perth covers what auditors typically look for beyond just surface cleanliness.
Choosing a Cleaning Provider for Your Practice
Not every commercial cleaner is set up for clinical environments. Before signing a contract, ask whether staff are specifically trained in infection control rather than general office cleaning, whether clinical waste is handled separately from general rubbish, and whether the provider can supply a documented cleaning schedule if your practice is ever audited. A provider that can’t answer these clearly is a risk worth avoiding, regardless of price.
JKleen Services provides clinic cleaning for dental and medical practices across Perth, with a police-cleared team trained in infection control rather than general office cleaning standards.
Contact JKleen Services for a dental clinic cleaning quote.