Did you know? Suction maintenance will help reduce aerosols in your practice
Following correct procedures and protocols for maintaining and decontaminating suction equipment will help keep your patients protected against infection and reduce aerosols in the office.
Here’s how to help keep everyone safe.
Protecting your patients and your team from airborne particles and aerosols is an essential part of your infection control protocols. Many dental practitioners focus heavily on the suction tips, particularly those that are comfortable to use, cost-effective, and easy to handle—but properly maintaining the suction and evacuation system is much higher on the importance scale. If the system is not maintained correctly, it can make a simple dental procedure a stressful nightmare because volume decreases and creates improper suction and protection.
A few different parts of the system need regular attention when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. For example, the traps and the suctions lines require frequent cleaning to function to the best of their ability. Knowing your system is the first step in understanding what needs to be maintained to ensure proper flow and function. By following the appropriate maintenance tips and ensuring that the suction lines are running as they should, aerosols, especially those containing bioburden, can be reduced.