Disinfection isn’t just another box to check off in our dental routines—it’s central to keeping our patients and team safe. The CDC provides guidelines to make sure our cleaning protocols actually work. But even with the best intentions, small habits can creep in that compromise these efforts. These little slip-ups, or “legacy errors,” might seem harmless but can actually undermine the entire process. Let’s dive into what the CDC recommends and how to correct some common habits to make sure we’re keeping it clean.
CDC’s Essential Tips for Disinfection in Dental Settings
The CDC outlines some important points for effective disinfection in healthcare settings, and dental clinics have some unique areas to watch out for. Here’s what they recommend:
Use EPA-Registered Disinfectants
We’ve all heard it, but it’s worth repeating—use disinfectants that are EPA-registered and approved for healthcare. They’re tested and reliable against the range of pathogens we find in clinical settings.
Read the Label
Every disinfectant has its own requirements for contact time (the length of time it needs to stay wet on the surface) and recommended surfaces. Using a product incorrectly can actually render it ineffective, and we’d hate to go through all that effort for nothing!
Clean First, Then Disinfect
This is a big one. Before disinfecting, it’s important to remove visible debris. Think of it as giving the disinfectant a clean slate so it can do its job right. Without this initial step, you risk biofilm or other residues getting in the way.
Target the High-Touch Areas
Chairside handles, trays, light handles—all the things you’re reaching for during a procedure—are the prime suspects for contamination. These surfaces require regular attention to keep things safe and reduce the chances of cross-contamination.
Legacy Errors in Disinfection: Why One Wipe Just Isn’t Enough
No matter how much we try to stick to protocols, certain “legacy errors” seem to slip through. One that pops up often? The single-wipe habit. If you’re using just one disinfectant wipe with one hand while the other hand touches everything else, you’re unintentionally spreading germs instead of cleaning them.
The One-Hand Wipe Habit
I see this all the time: grabbing a single disinfectant wipe with one hand while the other hand is still bare. Guess what? That hand ends up touching everything you’re trying to disinfect, negating your efforts. Solution? Get in the habit of using a wipe in each hand.
Stretching Wipes Beyond Their Limit
We’ve all been guilty of it—using a single wipe for too many surfaces. Each wipe is designed to cover a certain area before it stops being effective. Stick to the “one wipe per area” rule to make sure your disinfecting game is strong.
Overlooking Hard-to-Reach Areas
Think about your dental chair armrests, lights, and other tricky spots. They’re not easy to reach, but they’re also exactly where contaminants love to hide. Don’t skip these spaces, even if it takes an extra moment or two.
Easy Fixes to Improve Disinfection Habits
With a few simple adjustments, you can improve disinfection practices and stop legacy errors from becoming part of the routine. Here’s how:
The Two-Wipe Technique
Get comfortable with a wipe in each hand. Yes, it might feel like overkill at first, but it stops your clean hand from becoming a cross-contaminator. This small habit goes a long way toward a cleaner, safer practice.
Keep Wipes Accessible
Place disinfectant wipes around the clinic to encourage everyone to use fresh ones frequently. Accessibility makes it easier to avoid reusing a single wipe and promotes better habits.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Are Your Friend
Having SOPs for disinfection practices is key. Clear instructions on everything from high-touch areas to how long disinfectants should stay on surfaces make everyone’s job easier and more consistent.
Regular Training
Legacy errors stick around because they’re often ingrained habits, so a refresher goes a long way. Regularly updating staff on CDC guidance keeps everyone on track and reinforces best practices.
Why These Small Details Matter
It might not seem like a big deal to use a single wipe or skip a hard-to-reach area, but these details make all the difference in preventing cross-contamination. Following CDC guidance and nipping legacy errors in the bud ensures that your infection control stays strong and consistent, protecting both patients and staff.
By addressing these habits, dental clinics can achieve higher infection control standards. Simple changes like using two wipes instead of one or sticking to EPA-registered products make a big impact on overall safety.
Next Steps
Ready to tighten up your infection control practices? Consider offering regular training to your team, implementing clear SOPs, and making sure everyone has the right tools at their fingertips. Our Beyond the Basics course and Infection Control Coordinator’s Guidebook are great resources for ICCs and dental professionals who want to raise the bar on infection control.
Let’s keep making these small changes for big results—one disinfectant wipe at a time.
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