Straight talk from Houston Dentists at Post Oak There’s a lot of dental “common knowledge” floating around — passed down from family, repeated on social media, and reinforced […]
At Houston Dentists at Post Oak, keeping patients and staff safe has always been our top priority. Our safety protocols follow current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Below, we explain the steps we take every day to keep your visit safe and comfortable, from the moment you walk in the door to the moment your treatment is complete.
Trained Staff, Every Day
Every member of our team receives ongoing training in proper hygiene, sterilization, and infection prevention. We follow what’s known as “standard precautions” — a set of practices used in every dental visit, for every patient, regardless of their health history. This approach protects you and our staff from a wide range of illnesses, not just one specific virus. A team member is also responsible each day for confirming that cleaning routines, equipment checks, and safety procedures are being followed correctly before patients arrive.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Our staff wears the recommended PPE for every procedure, which may include:
- Medical-grade gloves, changed between patients
- N95 or ASTM-rated face masks
- Protective eyewear or face shields
- Disposable gowns for certain procedures
These items reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses between patients and staff, and they remain a core part of everyday dental services in Houston, not just during outbreaks.
Instrument Sterilization
All reusable dental instruments, including handpieces, are heat-sterilized between every patient in line with CDC and ADA guidance. Surfaces in each treatment room are cleaned and disinfected after every appointment, and single-use items like needles and certain suction tips are disposed of immediately after use. This level of sterilization is standard for every visit, whether you’re coming in for a routine dental exam and cleaning or a more involved procedure.
Antimicrobial Rinse Before Treatment
Gum health and overall health are closely connected, which is one reason we recommend brushing and flossing before your appointment. Once you’re seated, we may ask you to rinse with an antimicrobial solution for about a minute before treatment begins. This step lowers the amount of bacteria in your mouth during your visit and is especially helpful for patients receiving periodontal care.
A Comfortable, Modern Standard of Care
While the height of the COVID-19 pandemic brought extra precautions like routine temperature checks, dental infection control has always required a high level of care. Today, our protocols reflect the latest CDC and OSHA standards for hand hygiene, respiratory protection, sterile instruments, and clean treatment environments. Whether you’re a longtime patient or visiting our general dentist for the first time, you can expect the same careful, up-to-date safety measures at every appointment.
If you have questions about our safety procedures or want to learn more about how regular dental cleanings support your overall health, our team is happy to talk you through it before your next visit.
