How we stride to keep our patients and staff healthy – Our Infection Control
We take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of health safety. We want to assure you that our office has taken every precaution to maintain our patient’s health and safety.
Our office is equipped with multiple high efficiency air purifiers that kills bacteria, viruses and molds in the air throughout the entire office. We use the AIRIUS Destratification Air sterilizer with Photohydroionization® (PHI) and a Broad spectrum 100-300 nm HE/UV ultraviolet disinfection unit. PHI is an advanced oxidation technology developed by RGF Environmental Group to minimize and neutralize indoor air pollutants such as bacteria, viruses, mold, gases (VOCs) and odors. Photohydroionization (PHI) cell emits advanced oxidation plasma (0.01 – 0.02 ppm). The fan circulates Hydro-Peroxides, super oxide ions and hydroxide ions throughout the space, neutralizing more than 99 percent of micro-organisms. PHI utilizes a broad-spectrum, high intensity UV light targeted on a hydrated quad-metallic catalyst surface. This target surface is covered with a proprietary quad-metallic and hydrophilic coating. The UV light reacts with the catalyst and moisture to produce an advanced oxidation plasma consisting of hydro-peroxides, super oxide ions and hydroxide ions. These friendly oxidizers will revert back to oxygen and hydrogen once they’ve come in contact with and eliminated the pollutant.
These units create an aggressive advanced oxidation atmosphere to kill 99% of bacteria, viruses and mold in the air surrounding the unit. Ionized-hydro-peroxides are very effective at destroying harmful microbials in the air and on surfaces. As oxidants, they do this by either destroying the microbe through a process known as cell lysing or by changing its molecular structure and rendering it harmless which is the case in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and odors.
Universities like Kansas State University and independent labs have tested these units and they found a 4-log reduction (99.99%) surface bacteria/virus reduction, a 97% airborne bacterial reduction, a 99% reductions of Ecoli, Listeria, Strep and Bird Flu, a 97% airborne mold reduction, a U.S. and International 99% reduction of Staph (MRSA) and they are approved by the USDA, FSIS and FDA.
As always, our office puts the health, safety, and well-being of our patients, employees, and communities at our highest priority.
Infection controls and universal precautions protect clients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone in a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with Dr. Samuel Bowdoin, Dr. Laura Bowdoin, Dr. Lauren Gehling or Dr. Angel Hale and receive a straightforward answer.
Drs. Samuel Bowdoin, Laura Bowdoin, Lauren Gehling and Angel Hale, and our entire team follow procedures recommended by several federal agencies: the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These measures include:
- Disinfectant hand soap
- Gloves and face masks
- Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
- Sterilization of all equipment before every use
- Disposable materials
We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental hand pieces. We use an autoclave, a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat and pressure.
The best defense against disease is information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel.