TSS,
Lots to read! What it truly comes down to is quite simple....... proper sterilization techniques MUST be done under ALL circumstances, ALL of the time, in ALL dental and medical facilities. Precaution should be taken to not just minimize, but eliminate the possibility of contamination to the patients and the staff.

Having been in dentistry for 30 yrs......... I can without any doubt say that proper sterilization techniques are not carried out 100% of the time. The only way to do that is to have one very dedicated (or more) staff member whose only job is to clean up and sterilize the operatories/exam rooms and instruments. This cannot be done efficiently or effectively by the staff member who also assists the doctor if she/he is responsible for keeping a tight schedule and has to be in 2 (or more) places at one time.

Contamination from a doctor, staff member, dirty instrument or other operatory source is completely avoidable if the proper protocols are put forth, utilized and enforced.

Thanks for posting these articles!
Bryanna