STANDARDS FOR DENTURE CLINICS AND DENTURIST'S PRACTICE
PURPOSE OF THE STANDARD
The purpose of this standard is to ensure clinics maintain a degree of services, decorum and sanitation appropriate for the delivery of a health service to the public.
DESCRIPTION OF THE STANDARD
Standards for the premises regarding the physical conditions are as follows by the College of Denturists of Ontario. Accepted standards for sterilization procedures are detailed in web section Infection Control.
It is required that disposable gloves be used to minimize the transmission of germs and communicable diseases. The non-use of gloves must be undertaken only with the patient's written consent. Practitioners must familiarize themselves with appropriate WHMIS requirements. Click here for more information on WHMIS.
Non-compliance with this standard has widespread consequences including patient and practitioner health and legal issues.
SECTION 1: EXTERNAL STANDARDS
- Access and availability of staff and patient parking.
- Signage identifying the clinic and member according to College Regulations.
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SECTION 2: STANDARDS FOR CLINIC PREMISES
Summary:
At a minimum a denture clinic must have a telephone, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, Certificate displayed, and Certificate of Authorization for a Health Professional Corporate (if applicable) displayed; patient access to a washroom, secure business area, an operatory, and sterilization area. In any communication materials, appropriate professional designation must be used.
As well, a denture clinic should be composed of a waiting room, a washroom, business area and laboratory (where these are present the following minimum standards apply). To best accommodate a clinic it is recommended that the minimum space required is approximately 1,000 square feet.
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(1)Operatory
Definition of operatory - Any room where intra-oral procedures are performed
REQUIRED:
- Evidence of instrument cleaning, sterilization and safe storage
- Treatment light
- Adjustable quasi-dental treatment chair
- Cuspidor - Definition of cuspidor - any device used specifically for patient to evacuate expectorate, easily cleaned, disinfected or disposed of ( ie: disposal kidney basin, spittoon or porcelain bowl with running water in operatory)
- Sink unit -unit with hot and cold running water
- Single use disposable towels or air drying mechanism
- Masks - during non-outbreak period (see rules governing emergency procedures) required to have a week's supply of N95 high filtration masks in stock
- Disposable gloves - in consideration of latex allergies must have hypo-allergenic gloves available to use in place of latex gloves when an allergy is identified in a patient
- Impression trays
- Mouth mirrors
- Waste disposal (lined)
- Soap
RECOMMENDED:
- Storage area (ie: drawer cabinets)
- Ventilation
- Disposable cups
- Bibs - if used - must be disposable type for sanitary reasons
- Facial tissue
- Hand mirror 5” x 7” minimum
- Shade guides
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(2) Secure Business Area
REQUIRED:
- Secure File Cabinet (record storage)
- Computer records should be password protected – minimum requirement; screen not observable to non-staff - if applicable (if there is a computer) must have access to printer
- Patient treatment records
- Consent to information collection form and protocol
- Privacy policy available on request
- Mechanism for providing Patient Receipts
- Mechanism for logging Patient Appointment
RECOMMENDED:
- Desk/Chair
- Business appointment cards
- Statements/letterhead/envelopes
- Bookkeeping and stationery supplies
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(3) Sterilization Area
Definition of sterilization area - area dedicated to instrument sterilization and disinfection and may/may not be contained in operatory or laboratory (could be stand alone area). All sterilized equipment should be stored separately in sealed containers in a manner to minimize cross-contamination (ie; bag, zip-lock plastic baggie)
REQUIRED:
- Sink unit - with hot and cold running water
- Ultra-sonic unit Instrument sterilizer
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(4) Access to Washroom
REQUIRED:
- Toilet Wash Basin with hot and cold water
- Soap (dispenser type)
- Single use/disposable towels or air dryer
- Waste disposal (lined)
- Cleanliness -adequate asepsis and hygiene practiced
RECOMMENDED:
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(5) Laboratory
REQUIRED:
- Evidence of laboratory asepsis
- Evidence of surface cleaning and disinfection
- Ventilation
- Sink and water supply
- Plaster/polishing impermeable work surface
- Packing/curing impermeable work surface
- Polishing lathe
- Trimming lathe
- Work pans
- Waste disposal
- WHMIS requirements – Waste and Hazardous Material Information sheet
RECOMMENDED:
- Gas
- Technician bench/stools/chairs
- Storage space
- Boil out unit
- Processing unit
- Bunsen burner
- Splash pans
- Articulators
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(6) Waiting Room
REQUIRED:
- Cleanliness - adequate asepsis and hygiene practiced
RECOMMENDED:
- Adequate light/ventilation
- Chairs
- Coat rack/hangers
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(7) Consultation Room
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