Let’s be real: Dentistry is fast-paced, and we’re all trying to stay ahead of the curve. Setting up instruments in advance feels like a no-brainer—until you stop and think about the risks.
I’ve seen it too often: instruments unwrapped and set up hours (and in some cases, days) before the patient even steps foot in the office. While I completely understand the motivation—being proactive or just trying to stay afloat when short-handed—this habit is not acceptable.
Here’s why:
The Problem with Early Setups
1. Aerosols Are Everywhere
We know aerosols are a major issue in dentistry. They carry microorganisms, debris, and contaminants that can settle on exposed instruments. When you open instruments too early, you expose them to this constant environmental hazard, compromising their sterility.
2. Physical Contamination
Instruments left open on trays are at risk of being bumped, touched, or even worse—visited by bugs (yes, this happens). The moment a sterile instrument is touched by anything non-sterile, it’s contaminated. Period.
3. Standard of Care
The standard of care is clear: instruments should remain in their sterilization pouch until the very moment of use. Opening them in front of the patient not only ensures sterility but also provides an added layer of transparency and trust.
4. Time Doesn't Equal Sterility
Leaving instruments out for hours (or days) before use doesn’t just look bad; it undermines all the hard work your team puts into sterilization. Sterile instruments don’t stay sterile when they’re exposed to environmental contaminants for extended periods.
Why We Do It—and Why We Need to Stop
I get it. I love to set up ahead of time too. There’s something satisfying about having everything ready to go. But this isn’t about convenience—it’s about patient safety.
If you’re setting up early, it’s often because:
You’re trying to stay ahead during a busy day.
You’re short on team members and juggling multiple responsibilities.
It’s become a habit that no one has questioned.
It’s time to break the cycle. This behavior isn’t aligned with best practices or the standard of care.
What to Do Instead
Here’s how to keep your instruments sterile and still stay organized:
1️⃣ Set Up Smartly
If you want to stay ahead, organize your sterilized instruments in their sealed pouches on a dedicated tray. Only open the pouches when the patient is seated or at least in the office.
2️⃣ Open in Front of the Patient
Opening sterilized instruments in front of the patient isn’t just good practice—it builds trust. It reassures them that you’re prioritizing their safety and adhering to strict infection control protocols.
3️⃣ Reevaluate Workflows
If you feel like there’s no time to wait until the patient is seated, it’s time to reassess your workflow. Consider adding more instrument sets or adjusting your team’s routine to prioritize safety over convenience.
4️⃣ Educate the Team
Sometimes, early setups happen because of a lack of understanding about the risks. Take the time to educate your team on why instruments must stay sealed until the moment of use.
Why This Matters
Leaving instruments unwrapped and exposed isn’t just a bad habit—it’s a risk to patient safety and a potential compliance issue. Contaminated instruments can lead to infections and undermine the trust patients place in us as healthcare providers.
It’s time to stop normalizing this behavior. We can—and must—do better.
If you’re thinking, “This change sounds hard,” let me assure you: I’ve made this adjustment myself. It’s possible, and your patients deserve it.
Let’s prioritize safety, align with the standard of care, and keep our instruments sterile until the very moment of use.
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