Office Safety

Safety Program - Protecting our patients and staff:

At the Elm Tree Clinic, top priority is placed on providing you, the patient, and our team with a safe, healthy and pleasant working environment.

Air Filter and Exchange System: Our entire office is equipped with a high volume air exchange system and HEPA filter which replaces the air every hour, filtering out any particles over 1 micron in size. This assures constant clean fresh air supply, and removes chemicals, bacteria, mercury vapour, etc.

Instrument Sterilization and Infection Control:

All our dental instruments are heat, steam, and pressure sterilized in a state-of-the-art Statim autoclave after each use. Our sterilizer is tested on a regular basis to ensure that it is operating properly.

Surface Disinfection:

All exposed horizontal surfaces in the operatory are disinfected between each patient, using environmentally friendly, biodegradable but highly effective Micrylium (R) Green products (Note: Link will open in a new window). These are the lowest toxicity to staff and paitents, but very effective against bacteria and viruses.

Surface barrier protection:

You will notice that we have disposable plastic wrap on all contact surfaces which are changed between patients, and our cupboards, drawers and taps are all hands-free operated to avoid contamination. Waterlines in the operatory are on a sealed system. They are completely sterile, and are tested regularly to ensure they contain no bacterial colony-forming units.

Digital X-Rays and Radiation Safety

Our x-ray units and films require very little radiation to be emitted. We are now using Digital X-ray technology. Instead of film and chemicals, a tiny digital sensor is used, which sends the image directly to the computer. The x-ray exposure is about half that of F-speed film, about 65% less than Ektaspeed film or 80% less than the Ultraspeed film used in the early 1990s. There are no hazardous chemicals to send for recycling with the digital system! New for 2006, we now have a digital Panoramic X-ray unit too. This lets us get a general view of the whole mouth with one lower exposure x-ray. Combine this with the use of a lead apron and thyroid collar, and the exposure to radiation when taking only necessary radiographs is minimal. We take only the minimal number of x-rays that are required for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Our equipment is tested on a regular basis. Our operatory walls and cabinets are lead-lined to prevent any unnecessary x-ray exposure to patients and staff.