In March, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Florida settled a class-action lawsuit for $5.5 million. The case stemmed from NSU’s disclosure that students training in its orthodontic clinic failed to properly sterilize instruments, specifically handpieces, used on patients. The suit included more than 1100 people, mostly children.
In this week’s episode of In the Sterilization Room with Jackie, we take a look at what happened and what orthodontic practices should take away from the case. In addition, Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, who specializes in helping practices implement and follow sterilization best practices, provides a refresher on how practice’s should be reprocessing their handpieces. She runs through:
- CDC Guidance for Reprocessing Dental Handpieces;
- the importance of following the Manufacturer’s Instructions for Use (MIFU);
- a formula to help you figure out how many handpieces to have in your inventory;
- the handpiece sterilization process; and
- the pitfalls to avoid in when sterilizing your handpieces. OP
LINK
CDC Statement on Reprocessing Dental Handpieces
