Dental Assistant how-to
How to Prepare an Operatory for the Next Patient
Room turnover between patients is one of the most important infection-control routines in dentistry.
Room turnover between patients is one of the most important infection-control routines in dentistry. In short: wearing; flush; clean, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Wearing PPE, remove used instruments and dispose of sharps and single-use items properly.
Flush handpieces and waterlines per manufacturer instructions.
Clean and disinfect all touched surfaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant, following the contact time.
Place new barriers on high-touch surfaces such as light handles and keyboards.
Set out sterile instrument packages and supplies for the scheduled procedure.
Review the next patient’s chart and health history before seating them.
Safety reminders for dental assistants
- Follow CDC infection-control guidance and OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
- Use proper radiation safety and never hold sensors for patients during exposures
- Wear gloves, masks and eye protection for every procedure
- Handle sharps carefully and dispose of them immediately
Key terms
Four-handed dentistry · High-volume evacuator (HVE) · Universal Numbering System · Mesial · Distal · Occlusal: see the full dental assistant glossary.