September Is National Dental Infection Control Awareness Month: Keeping You Safe at Blue Ocean Dentistry
At Blue Ocean Dentistry, your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities—especially this September, as we join dental practices nationwide to observe National Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM). For patients, this observance is an important reminder that every dental appointment should not only focus on healthy teeth and gums but also on protecting your overall health through rigorous infection control.
What Is Dental Infection Control Awareness Month?
Each September, the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) leads DICAM, promoting a renewed commitment to infection control in dental settings. This initiative encourages dental teams to reaffirm adherence to essential guidelines, such as the CDC’s Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings, and to support infection control coordinators who oversee safety protocols.
The American Dental Association (ADA) also endorses DICAM, urging dental offices to showcase their infection prevention efforts while highlighting culture-of-safety themes like “Staying in the Know Together.” For patients in Glendora and the surrounding communities, it means that Blue Ocean Dentistry is publicly reaffirming what we already practice every day: meticulous infection control for your protection.
Weekly Themes of Focus for This September
OSAP and ADA break DICAM into weekly spotlight topics, each focusing on one of the pillars of infection control. This structure allows dental teams across the country to highlight best practices while educating patients. The weekly topics are:
- Week 1: Hand Hygiene
- Week 2: Dental Unit Waterlines
- Week 3: Instrument Reprocessing
- Week 4: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Let’s take a closer look at each of these areas and what they mean for you when you sit in the chair at Blue Ocean Dentistry.
Hand Hygiene: The First Line of Defense
Clean hands are the foundation of infection prevention. Every member of our team follows strict hand hygiene protocols. That includes thorough soap-and-water washing or alcohol-based sanitizing before and after every patient interaction, and even between glove changes.
For patients, this may seem routine, but hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of germs. By practicing consistency and vigilance, we dramatically reduce the chances of cross-contamination.
Dental Unit Waterlines: Keeping Water Clean and Safe
You may not think about the water used during cleanings or procedures, but it is an important part of infection control. Water that flows through dental equipment must meet strict safety standards.
At Blue Ocean Dentistry, we:
- Flush waterlines regularly to reduce biofilm buildup.
- Use monitoring systems to test water quality.
- Apply specialized treatments that keep the lines free of contaminants.
- This ensures the water that reaches your mouth is clean and safe, no matter the type of procedure.
Instrument Reprocessing: Every Tool, Every Time
Dental instruments are used in close contact with sensitive tissues, so proper cleaning and sterilization are non-negotiable. Our team uses a meticulous multi-step reprocessing system that includes:
Cleaning and Decontamination – Instruments are scrubbed, rinsed, or placed in ultrasonic cleaners to remove debris.
Sterilization – Tools are placed into autoclaves, which use pressurized steam at high temperatures to destroy bacteria, viruses, and spores.
Biological Monitoring (Spore Testing) – We regularly perform spore tests, the gold standard of sterilization assurance.
Process Indicators – Each load of instruments includes chemical indicators that confirm sterilization success.
Safe Storage – Instruments remain sealed in sterile packaging until they are used.
This rigorous system ensures that every instrument placed in your mouth has been fully sterilized and verified safe.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Protecting Patients and Staff
Gloves, masks, eyewear, and gowns are more than just attire—they are barriers that protect both patients and staff. At Blue Ocean Dentistry, PPE use follows CDC and OSHA guidelines, including proper disposal of gloves and masks and safe handling of sharps.
You may also notice extra layers of protection during flu season or when certain procedures require additional safeguards. These measures, while sometimes inconvenient, provide critical protection against cross-infection.
Why Infection Control Matters
Although transmission of infection in dental settings is rare, lapses in protocols can create unnecessary risks. That’s why the CDC’s Standard Precautions guide every single appointment. These precautions cover everything from proper hand hygiene to safe instrument handling and are designed to protect both patients and staff at all times.
By adhering to these standards, we minimize risk and maintain an environment where patients can feel confident and secure.
Patient Tips: Your Role in Safety
While most infection control responsibility falls on the dental team, patients also play an important role. Here are a few ways you can contribute:
- Observe staff practices. You should always see team members using gloves, masks, and eyewear.
- Ask questions. We welcome inquiries about our protocols—transparency builds trust.
- Reschedule if you’re sick. Protecting others starts with staying home when you’re unwell.
- Follow at-home oral hygiene guidance. Healthy teeth and gums reduce infection risk and improve treatment outcomes.
Blue Ocean’s Commitment During DICAM
This September, we are taking extra steps to highlight our infection control efforts, including:
- Sharing educational materials with patients to increase awareness.
- Hosting refresher training sessions for our staff to reinforce best practices.
- Showcasing our safety protocols in-office and online so patients understand exactly what we do behind the scenes.
- By participating in DICAM, we’re not just meeting a professional obligation—we’re reaffirming our promise to safeguard your health every time you visit.
A Culture of Safety in Glendora
Our Glendora community deserves high-quality dental care in an environment that prioritizes safety. Infection control is not just about rules and checklists; it’s about culture. At Blue Ocean Dentistry, we cultivate a culture where every staff member views infection control as a shared responsibility. This mindset makes every patient visit safer, every treatment more secure, and every outcome more predictable.
Looking Ahead: Year-Round Protection
While September shines a spotlight on infection control, our commitment does not stop when the month ends. Infection prevention is a year-round practice. Patients can feel confident that the same strict measures highlighted during DICAM continue in every season, at every appointment.
At Blue Ocean Dentistry, we want you to focus on your dental health without worrying about safety. Every visit, from routine cleanings to advanced procedures, is supported by systems designed to protect you and your family.
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora, California
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments and materials. Everything we use makes a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We help our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.