Safety & Sterilization
Your health and safety come first—always.
Our Commitment to Safety
Your safety is never compromised at BluSky Dental. We maintain rigorous sterilization protocols and infection control measures that meet or exceed all regulatory standards. When you visit our offices, you can be confident that every instrument, surface, and procedure follows strict safety guidelines.
Infection control in dentistry isn't just a protocol—it's a mindset. Every team member at BluSky Dental is trained in proper sterilization techniques and committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.
Instrument Sterilization
The Sterilization Process
Every reusable instrument goes through a rigorous multi-step process:
1. Collection & Transport
Used instruments are carefully collected and transported to our sterilization area in sealed containers.
2. Cleaning
Instruments are thoroughly cleaned using:
- Ultrasonic cleaning baths
- Manual scrubbing when needed
- Enzymatic cleaning solutions
3. Inspection
Each instrument is inspected for cleanliness and integrity before packaging.
4. Packaging
Clean instruments are placed in sterilization pouches or cassettes that maintain sterility until use.
5. Autoclave Sterilization
Packaged instruments are sterilized in medical-grade autoclaves using:
- High-pressure steam
- Temperatures of 121-134°C
- Validated sterilization cycles
6. Storage
Sterilized packages are stored in clean, dry areas until needed.
7. Verification
We use chemical indicators and biological monitoring to verify sterilization effectiveness.
Single-Use Items
Many items are single-use only and disposed of after each patient:
- Needles and syringes
- Suction tips
- Prophy angles
- Gloves
- Masks
- Patient bibs
- Barrier covers
Treatment Room Protocols
Between Every Patient
- All surfaces disinfected with hospital-grade disinfectants
- Barrier covers replaced on equipment
- Dental chair and light handles wiped down
- Fresh instrument setups for each patient
- New gloves, masks, and barriers
Air Quality
- High-volume evacuation during procedures
- HEPA filtration systems
- Proper ventilation
- Air purification in treatment areas
Water Safety
- Independent water bottle systems
- Water line treatment protocols
- Regular water quality testing
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Our team uses appropriate PPE for every patient interaction:
- Gloves – Fresh pair for each patient
- Masks – Appropriate filtration for procedures
- Eye protection – Safety glasses or face shields
- Gowns/scrubs – Clean clinical attire
- Hair coverings – When indicated
Staff Health & Training
Health Monitoring
- Team members stay home when ill
- Health screening protocols
- Vaccination requirements (Hepatitis B, etc.)
Ongoing Training
- Regular infection control updates
- Continuing education in safety protocols
- Compliance with regulatory requirements
- Protocol reviews and audits
Regulatory Compliance
We adhere to standards set by:
- Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO)
- Public Health Ontario
- Provincial infection control guidelines
- Federal health regulations
Our protocols meet or exceed all requirements.
What You Can Expect
When you visit BluSky Dental:
- Clean, welcoming environment – Visible cleanliness throughout
- Fresh setup for your appointment – Sealed instrument packages opened in front of you
- PPE-protected team – Staff wearing appropriate protective equipment
- Sanitized surfaces – Treatment areas disinfected between patients
- Safe water – Treated dental unit water
- Proper waste disposal – Regulated handling of clinical waste
Frequently Asked Questions
We use sealed sterilization pouches with indicator strips that change color to verify sterilization. You may see your instruments opened from sealed packages.
Team members are required to stay home when ill. We have protocols to ensure adequate staffing while protecting patient health.
Our standard protocols provide high-level protection for all patients. If you have specific concerns, please let us know and we'll address them.
We perform regular biological monitoring (spore testing) as required by regulations, plus daily chemical indicator verification.
Your Safety, Our Priority
Questions about our safety protocols? We're happy to discuss our procedures or give you a tour of our sterilization area.
Call: (613) 728-1511
Address: 20 – 1620 Scott Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4S7
At BluSky we BEElieve in bringing life to your smile. 🐝