DENTISTRY – INSTRUMENT AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
HOSPITAL NAME: _______________________________________________________
Date created or updated: _________________________________________________
AAHA Standard Referenced:
DE12.2. The practice utilizes a written protocol for maintaining dental instruments including hand instruments and other dental equipment (e.g., sharpening of the hand instruments, maintenance of the ultrasonic scaler).
Purpose: (Establish a routine for maintaining dental instruments and equipment)
Timeline: Training on the maintenance of dental instruments and equipment is implemented upon hire. Updates are reviewed as necessary.
Team Member Responsible: Designated practice team member(s) responsible for completing the task(s) outlined in the protocol
Supervisor/Point Person: Practice team member(s) responsible for managing the implementation of the protocol
SUGGESTED CONTENT TO ADDRESS
General
· Outline process and timeline for cleaning and sterilizing instruments
· List inventory of dental instruments and equipment used for dental procedures
· Define a schedule for checking and resterilizing instruments and packs (i.e., practice team member who is responsible, how often this is done, etc.)
· Outline a procedure for inspecting instruments for defects, wear and/or contaminants
· Define the location for packs and instruments (i.e., enclosed cabinet that is free of airflow, moisture and other contaminants)
· Define what is identified on the outside of packs, including:
o Date
o Contents or pack identification
o Initials of the person that assembled the pack
Sharpening
· Define the procedure for sharpening instruments:
o Sharpening process
o Sharpening schedule
o Practice team member(s) responsible
o Tools or outside services used for sharpening
Air Compressor Maintenance
· Define the procedure for maintaining the air compressor:
o Manufacturer’s instructions
o Maintenance schedule
o Practice team member(s) responsible
Any Other Dental Equipment
· Define the procedure for maintaining the equipment:
o Manufacturer’s instructions
o Maintenance schedule
o Practice team member(s) responsible