Clean, Safe, Consistent
Infection Control
Your safety is not a feature — it's a foundation. Our sterilization and infection-control protocols meet and exceed OSHA, CDC, and ADA standards.
Reviewed by Dr. Sang Kim, DMD — Updated April 2026
Our standard
Bridgewater Dental Center follows strict infection-control guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP).
Instrument sterilization
- All reusable instruments are pre-cleaned in an ultrasonic bath.
- Instruments are individually pouched and heat-sterilized in an autoclave.
- Autoclaves are monitored with biological indicators regularly to verify they are functioning correctly.
- Disposable instruments and items are used where clinically appropriate and discarded after a single use.
Operatory disinfection
- Every operatory is fully wiped down and disinfected between every patient.
- Hard surfaces are covered with protective barriers that are replaced for each patient.
- Chairs, lights, handles, and trays are disinfected with hospital-grade solutions.
Personal protection
- All clinical staff wear gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns for each patient.
- Gloves are changed between patients — and any time they become compromised.
- Hand hygiene is performed before and after every patient interaction.
Water lines and air
Our dental unit water lines are regularly treated, flushed, and tested to ensure water quality meets or exceeds EPA drinking water standards. Our operatories are well-ventilated and filtered.
Questions?
If you'd like more detail about any of our procedures, please ask — we're proud of our standards and happy to show you exactly how we protect you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sterilize dental instruments?+
All reusable instruments are pre-cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, individually pouched, and heat-sterilized in an autoclave. We monitor our autoclaves with biological indicators regularly to verify they're working correctly.
What standards does Bridgewater Dental Center follow for infection control?+
We follow strict guidelines set by OSHA, the CDC, the ADA, and the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP). Our protocols meet and exceed all current requirements.
Is the dental chair cleaned between patients?+
Yes. Every operatory is fully wiped down and disinfected between each patient. Hard surfaces are covered with protective barriers that are replaced, and all contact surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectant.
Do dental staff wear gloves and masks for every patient?+
Absolutely. All clinical staff wear gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns for every patient. Gloves are changed between patients, and hand hygiene is performed before and after every patient interaction.
Is the water used during dental procedures safe?+
Yes. Our dental unit water lines are regularly treated, flushed, and tested to ensure the water quality meets or exceeds EPA drinking water standards.
Can I ask to see your sterilization area?+
Of course. We're proud of our infection-control standards and happy to show you exactly how we protect our patients. Just ask any member of our team.
Ready When You Are
Let's write the next chapter
of your smile's story.
Schedule an appointment online, or give us a call. We're accepting new patients of every age — and we'll walk you through every step.