dental Infection Control asheville nc

Infection Controls | Air Filtration and Purification

Infection controls and universal precautions protect clients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone in a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with Dr. Abbott, Dr. Deresciuc, Dr. Hopper or Dr. Richards and receive a straightforward answer.

Drs. Abbott, Deresciuc, Hopper, Richards and our entire team follow procedures recommended by several federal agencies: the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These measures include:

  • Disinfectant hand soap
  • Gloves and face masks
  • Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
  • Sterilization of all equipment before every use
  • Disposable materials

We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental hand pieces. We use an autoclave, a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat and pressure.

The best defense against disease is information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel.

Your New Family Dentist in Asheville, NC!
Call Asheville Office Phone Number (828) 252-0111 or Schedule Your Appointment now!!

Air Filtration and Purification

Decreasing Pollutants

Air Purifier infographicPatient safety and protection is our top priority, so we spare no effort when it comes to office sterilization and air filtration. Our multi-stage filtration systems in each operatory capture dust particles, pollen, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), mold, allergens, viruses, odors (like formaldehyde and smoke), bio-aerosols, nitrous oxide, and many other pollutants that are often found in the inside air of workplaces and residences.

For an air purifier to deliver its benefits throughout each indoor office space, it moves large volumes of air through its filtration system effectively without impacting those people that are closest to it with a ‘breeze’ or by being too loud. While being inconspicuous in efficiency, the negative ion generators within the systems make indoor air feel more pure, clean, and energized to help combat fatigue.

How do we purify the air inside our office?

There are six stages of air filtration technology that the air inside our office runs through every 10-15 minutes. The six stages not only filter the air, but also sterilize it. The air purifiers diminish everything that is in the air, such as bio-aerosols, odors, gasses, disinfectants, particulates, molds, viruses, bacteria, and fungus. The HEPA filters also re-energize the air to combat fatigue and to give the air a ‘lighter’ feel.

air filtration/ air purification infographic

The air in every operatory is purified by the following six components of each system:

  1. ULTRAFINE PARTICULATE FILTER
    The high efficiency HEPA-Rx filter removes microscopic particles in the air.
  2. ACTIVATED CARBON FILTER
    The activated carbon filter absorbs odors and gases.
  3. GERMICIDAL UV-C+ CHAMBER
    When the germicidal UV-C+ light hits the photocatalytic filter, it creates e- and h+, which contribute to the decomposition of bacteria and odors.
  4. SUPER OXIDIZING PHOTOCATALYTIC NANO-TiO2
    This stage breaks the pollutant down into harmless carbon dioxide and water molecules, making the air more purified.
  5. HYDROXYL RADICAL REACTIVITY CHAMBER
    The chambers kill bacteria and viral microorganisms, such as Influenza, TB, and Legionnaire’s disease as well as other harmful contaminants.
  6. REVITALIZING NEGATIVE ION CHAMBER
    A chamber generates revitalizing negative ions that freshen and energize the air to combat fatigue.