The things that dentists wear – not just a smile

Yes, it’s scary enough going to the dentist, then to see this creature before you. We are still human (although some of may think otherwise)! We have to deal with very tiny objects inside and outside the mouth. The two black extensions, attached to the glasses in the photo, are called Loupes. Essentially they are fancy magnifying glasses. This particular model gives 2.5 x magnifications. Some models now go up to 4.5 x magnifications. This reduces eye strain and encourages the following saying to be achieved- “see better, do better”. Above the loupes is an LED lamp that illuminates the field of view offered by the loupes. Often in mouth the lamp of the chair is not enough to light up all areas of the mouth. This is especially evident in root canal treatment, oral and gum surgery and implant surgery. The LED light has made life a lot easier. In fact we use it for all procedures including scale and cleans and even examinations.

Another part of our “wardrobe” is a mask, pair of gloves, glasses and a gown. They are basically barriers for infection control and cross contamination. We do not want to give you anything and we do not want to get anything from you. We assume everyone has a transmissible disease, so everyone is treated the same. A mask and glasses are used to prevent air-borne particles transmission. Gloves are protection from blood and saliva cross contamination between the patient and the dentist’s hands. Finally with invasive procedures such as implant, oral and gum surgery, gowns are worn to provide a greater cross contamination barrier.

Although all the instruments are sterilized, the mouth is not a sterile environment. Reduction of cross contamination is essential. We eliminate transmission from patient to patient by sterilizing the instruments, disinfecting surgery surfaces and throwing out, carefully, disposable items. Next the wearing of gloves, masks and gowns is to eliminate transmission between the Dental Surgeon, nurse and the patient. The story of cross contamination does not end when the patient leaves. The nurses take away the instruments for sterilization, they have to have to continue eliminate cross contamination to them, by wearing glasses, mask, gloves and a gown. This includes careful disposal of sharp items and contaminated materials. Lastly all staff must wear closed shoes just in case they drop anything on the floor.

Yes, we can look scary but there is a smile under the mask, as this is all for the benefit of the patient who attends SeymourDental.

Next week the Nurses first blog post.