HYDRIM L110W G4 Instrument Washer:

Utilizes high-velocity hot water and detergent to thoroughly clean all our instruments prior to taking them through a full sterilization cycle. Although they have been widely used for decades in hospitals, their use in dental offices is fairly recent. Instruments are washed and rinsed with a temperature setting between 50 to 60°C and a volume of 24 to 32L of water.

Midmark M11 Ultraclave Automatic Sterilizer:

Sterilizes instruments under specific parameters of time, pressure and temperature. Our Midmark M11 has a unique Steam-Flush Pressure-Pulse Air Removal system, a form of dynamic air removal. As air is removed from the chamber it creates a vacuum, sufficiently pressurizing the chamber before steam enters. The sterilization chamber reaches a pressure of 27.1 psi. (186.2 kPa) and temperatures of 270 °F (132 °C).

Certifications: ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1. UL61010-1, 2nd Edition IEC 61010-2-040, 1st Edition CAN/CSA C22.2, No. 61010-1, 2nd Edition CSA C22.2, No. 61010-2-040-07 Part 2-040, - 1st Edition

Transport of dental instruments to our sterilization area:

All instrument sterilization takes place in our sterilization centre, which is separate from our treatment operatories. This allows us to clean, sterilize and store instruments in a different area from where our patient care takes place, which eliminates cross-contamination.

Sterilization cassettes:

You may also notice that all instruments are stored in specialized sterilization cassettes, that not only allow for increased efficiency in sterilization but also reduces instrument contamination during transport.

Instrument packaging:

All instruments are packaged in specialized sterilization wrap and pouches that allow for the penetration of heat, steam and vapour during the sterilization process. These packages are sealed for sterile storage of instruments until they are ready to use in our operatories. 

Physical Monitors:

Temperature and pressure measuring. The sterilizer’s control system aborts the cycle and displays a message if physical conditions go outside established limits.

Chemical Indicators:

Chemical indicators are designed to verify that conditions in the sterilizer chamber (heat, pressure & steam) were adequate to achieve sterilization. Examples of chemical indicators we use include autoclave tapes and sterilizer bags that change colour when a certain parameter is reached. In addition, we use internal (inside the instrument cassettes) and external indicators (inside the sterilizer but outside the cassettes) with every sterilization cycle.

Biological indicators:

Biological indicators (BI or spore testing) are designed to accompany items being sterilized to monitor the adequacy of the sterilization process. Also referred to as spore tests, they are the most reliable method to validate that instrument sterilization has been effective. Highly resistant bacterial microorganisms (Geobacillus or bacillus species) are impregnated on strips or contained in vials. The “test” strip or vial is placed into a normal sterilization load while the “control” strip or vial is not. Afterwards, both are incubated and cultured to ensure that no spores have survived from the “test”.

All of our sterilization equipment undergoes daily, weekly and monthly monitoring and testing to ensure they are operating to the highest standards. 

We use disposable barriers to cover commonly touched objects such as light handles and chair control units which are changed after every patient. In addition, all clinical contact surfaces are also cleaned and disinfected before and after every patient using an intermediate-level disinfectant (also known as a tuberculocidal-level disinfectant). Intermediate level disinfectants are stronger than low-level disinfectants such as most quaternary ammonium compounds. 

Our staff follow strict protocols for the use of disinfectants including, but not limited to product shelf life for use, temperature, dilution, method of application and product contact time.