Hygiene and sterilisation at the dental clinic
The red thread in all clinic work
On a dental clinic, you work close to the patient's mouth, blood, and saliva – this places great demands on hygiene. As a dental clinic assistant, you help ensure that each patient meets clean, sterile instruments and a clinic where infection is not spread. It is one of the most important tasks in the profession.
§Routes of transmission
Infection can be transmitted via direct contact, via droplets and aerosols (e.g. when drilling), and via contaminated surfaces and instruments. When you understand how infection spreads, you also understand why hand hygiene, personal protective equipment and correct instrument handling are so crucial.
§Hand hygiene and protective equipment
- 01Hand hygiene – handwashing and hand disinfection at the right times.
- 02Gloves are changed between patients and when switching between tasks.
- 03The mask gets too hot
- 04Protective equipment is disposed of correctly after use.
§The instrument's path: from use to sterile again
Used instruments go through a fixed sequence before they can be used again. The steps must not be changed: you cannot sterilise dirt away.
- 01Cleaning – visible dirt, blood and residues are removed (often in dishwashers/disinfection machines or ultrasound baths).
- 02Disinfection – microorganisms are reduced.
- 03Inspection and packing – instruments are checked, lubricated and packed.
- 04Sterilization — typically in an autoclave with steam under pressure.
- 05Storage – sterile, packaged instruments are stored dry and clean for use.
§Inspection of process
You check that sterilization actually works, e.g. with indicators that change color, and by keeping documentation. As an assistant, you are often the one who runs and monitors the autoclave and keeps a log — part of the clinic's quality assurance and self-inspection.
“The patient cannot themselves see whether the instrument is sterile. Trust is built on the clinic doing it right every single time.”