Frequently Asked Questions

Infection Control

Date Posted: 12/1/2001

Question Are dental instruments sterilised after each use?

Answer Dentists use an autoclave that is a steriliser which uses steam under pressure to achieve a rapid high heat sterilisation of instruments. Dentists use autoclavable equipment and instruments. Otherwise they can use disposable items wherever possible. The general standard of infection control in all surgeries in Australia is excellent. An independent survey conducted by Coopers and Lybrand in 1994 showed that each dentist is spending an additional $24,000 (approximate) per year on implementing responsible infection control measures.

More questions in this category:

Are dental instruments sterilised after each use?
Do dentists and assistants have to wear gloves during treatment?
Should dentists and patients wear protective eyewear and face shields?
Where can I get more information on infection control in dentistry?