Our Clinic
Designed with patient safety and comfort in mind.
Clean Air with HEPA
(High-Efficiency Particulate Air)
Our clinic is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients. In line with this commitment, we have implemented the use of HEPA filters throughout our facility. These filters play a crucial role in maintaining clean and healthy air, thereby minimizing the risk of airborne contaminants, and enhancing the overall patient experience. The following outlines the importance of HEPA filters and how they contribute to patient safety.
What are HEPA Filters?
HEPA filters are advanced air filtration systems that are designed to remove microscopic particles from the air we breathe. These filters consist of a dense mat of randomly arranged fibers that capture and trap particles as air passes through them. To qualify as a true HEPA filter, it must meet stringent standards, capable of removing at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size. Our clinic utilizes the Astrocel I HCX HEPA filter, manufactured by AAF International. This is an industry-leading air filtration solution that is constructed using high-quality materials and advanced technologies to provide exceptional particle capture efficiency.
That are
0.3
Microns in size
Eliminates
99.97%
Of Particles
Airborne Contaminants
Dental clinics can harbor a wide range of airborne contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, mold spores, allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and other harmful particles. These contaminants can spread through tiny droplets and particles in the air, posing a risk to both patients and dental staff. Cross-contamination can lead to infections and respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis, influenza, and COVID-19. By employing HEPA filters, our clinic aims to reduce the concentration of these contaminants and maintain a clean and safe environment.
Including
Covid-19
Influenza, and others
Reduced
Airborne
Contaminants
Proper Maintenance
To ensure the optimal performance of HEPA filters, proper maintenance and regular filter replacement are essential. Our clinic follows strict protocols to maintain and monitor the filters, including routine inspections, cleaning, and timely replacement as per the manufacturer's guidelines. This diligent approach guarantees that our patients benefit from the full filtration capabilities of the HEPA filters.
To
Monitor
And maintain filtration
We follow
Strict
Protocols
Patient safety is our top priority. We employ advanced measures to minimize the risks from airborne contaminants during dental procedures, especially the aerosols generated. One of the key strategies we utilize is the implementation of closed treatment rooms with negative air pressure. Aerosols are successfully contained within treatment rooms by utilizing the “Ball-In-The-Wall” system to confirm negative room pressure is maintained.
Controlled Aerosols
Air Flow in Our Clinic
Closed treatment rooms are isolated from surrounding areas, ensuring a controlled environment during dental procedures. Negative air pressure is used to create a pressure gradient, ensuring air flows from the hallway into the treatment room before being expelled into dedicated duct work that cycles the air through the HEPA filtration system. This prevents aerosols from escaping and contaminating the surrounding spaces.
Aerosol Containment
Aerosols are generated during many dental procedures. Aerosols are microscopic airborne particles that may contain bacteria, viruses, saliva, or other contaminants. These aerosols can pose a risk of infection transmission. By utilizing closed treatment rooms with negative air pressure, we aim to contain and remove these aerosols, minimizing the potential spread of airborne contaminants within our clinic.
The Ball-in-the-Wall System
To ensure negative air pressure is maintained, we utilize the Ball-In-The-Wall system. This innovative device is installed in the treatment room and continuously monitors room pressure. The system consists of a visual indicator, typically a round ball, mounted on the wall. This ball moves in response to changes in room pressure, providing a clear visual indication of the room's status.
Negative Pressure Indication
When the treatment room is under negative air pressure, the ball remains positioned toward the inner side of the wall, indicating the room is properly sealed and isolated. This ensures any aerosols generated during dental procedures are contained within the treatment room, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.
Positive Pressure Indication
In the event of a disruption in the negative pressure system or a breach in the room's seal, the ball may move towards the outer side of the wall, indicating a positive pressure condition. This visual cue alerts staff to investigate and rectify any issues promptly, ensuring the continued effectiveness of the aerosol containment system and a controlled treatment environment.
We strive to create a healing and nurturing environment for our patients. Our living wall helps to achieve this. It is a structure adorned with living plants that are vertically grown. This vertical garden not only adds beauty to our facility but also offers a range of benefits that positively impact the health and well-being of our patients and staff.
Living Wall
Improved Air Quality
One of the key benefits of a living wall is its ability to enhance indoor air quality. Plants have a natural ability to filter the air by absorbing and metabolizing harmful pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde, which are commonly found in indoor environments. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to create a cleaner and healthier atmosphere for patients and staff. The abundant oxygen supply can have a positive impact on cognitive function, concentration, and overall well-being.
Improved Indoor
Air Quality
Stress Reduction
Living walls create a calming and soothing atmosphere. Biophilic design is an approach that aims to incorporate elements of nature into the built environment, promoting a deeper connection between humans and the natural world. Interacting with nature and greenery has a positive effect on mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and tension. Patients are surrounded by the calming presence of greenery, fostering a sense of tranquility and promoting overall wellness.
Calming Atmos-
phere
Noise Reduction
In addition to its visual appeal, our living wall aids in noise reduction. The plants' leaves and foliage act as natural sound absorbers, helping to minimize background noise. This creates a more peaceful and comfortable environment. This is beneficial in areas where patient privacy and quietness are important, such as our waiting room and consultation areas.
Acoustic Benefits
Effective sterilization of dental instruments is crucial in preventing the transmission of infections between patients. To ensure the highest standards of infection control, we employ state-of-the-art sterilizer tracking technology utilizing the Sterisox ST barcode system from Maxill. This innovative system allows us to track and monitor the sterilization process of our instruments, ensuring each item is properly sterilized and ready for safe use.
We understand the importance of transparency and trust in the dental care we provide. By utilizing sterilization tracking, we offer our patients complete transparency and peace of mind regarding the sterilization of dental instruments used during their treatments. The ability to accurately track and document the sterilization process demonstrates our commitment to patient safety and infection control.
Sterilization Tracking
Step 1: Unique Barcode Assignment
Each dental instrument/instrument kit in our clinic is assigned a unique barcode label. These barcodes contain specific information about the instrument/instrument kit, such as its type, serial number, and expiration date.
Step 2: Barcode Scanning
When an instrument is ready for sterilization, it is placed in a sterilization pouch or instrument cassette with its respective barcode label attached. Before the sterilization cycle begins, the unique barcode is scanned using a handheld scanner.
Step 3: Data Integration
The Sterisox ST barcode system seamlessly integrates with our dental practice management software, Cleardent. Cleardent is powerful dental management software that enables efficient management of patient records, treatment plans, and clinical workflows. The scanned barcode data is automatically transmitted and recorded in the patient's electronic chart within Cleardent, ensuring accurate documentation of instrument sterilization. This adds an extra layer of safety, eliminating the potential for manual errors or oversight, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of our sterilization records.
By scanning any barcode, our team can quickly access the instrument's sterilization history and confirm its readiness for use. This real-time access to information allows us to provide efficient and safe dental treatments, with confidence in the sterilization of every instrument.
We are committed to environmental responsibility and reducing our carbon footprint. We have made conscious choices to incorporate sustainable materials and practices throughout our facility, ensuring our patients receive exceptional dental care in an eco-friendly environment. Choosing sustainable materials and practices supports a healthier planet.
Eco-Friendly
Sustainable Materials
Flooring
We have chosen epoxy finished concrete flooring because it offers a range of benefits that contribute to a greener and more sustainable built environment. It is known for its exceptional durability. The combination of epoxy resin and concrete creates a strong, impact-resistant surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic, machinery, and other daily wear and tear. Unlike many other flooring options, epoxy finished concrete flooring has a significantly longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and associated resource consumption. This is in stark contrast with other flooring options such as carpeting, laminate, or vinyl which require frequent replacement, and often land up in the landfill.
Epoxy finished concrete flooring offers energy-saving benefits. Its inherent thermal mass properties allow it to absorb and store heat, regulating temperature fluctuations and reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. By minimizing the reliance on HVAC systems, epoxy finished concrete flooring can help reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions associated with climate control.
Epoxy finished concrete flooring contributes to improved indoor air quality. Unlike carpeting, which can harbor dust, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), epoxy finished concrete flooring is non-allergenic and does not release harmful chemicals into the air. This characteristic creates a healthier indoor environment, particularly for individuals with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.
Cabinetry and Furniture
We have carefully selected sustainable materials for our cabinetry and furniture. We opt for cabinetry and furniture made from FSC-certified wood. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an internationally recognized organization that promotes responsible forest management practices. FSC-certified wood comes from sustainably managed forests, ensuring that the wood is harvested in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
By using FSC-certified wood, we support the conservation of forests and promote the well-being of forest-dependent communities. This certification guarantees that our cabinetry and furniture are made from renewable resources and meet rigorous environmental and social standards.
Our cabinetry and furniture are built to last. We prioritize durability in their design and construction, using high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. By investing in long-lasting pieces, we reduce the need for frequent replacements and extend the lifespan of our furniture.
In addition to their sustainability, our cabinetry and furniture are designed with ergonomics and functionality in mind. We prioritize creating a comfortable and efficient workspace for our dental team, ensuring that our furniture supports proper posture and workflow.
Paint and Finishes
We have carefully chosen the paints and finishes used on our walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Traditional paints and finishes can release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution and potential health risks. We have taken steps to ensure that our paint and finishes are environmentally responsible, promoting a healthier indoor environment for our patients and staff.
We have chosen to use water-based paints and finishes where possible. Compared to solvent-based options, water-based formulations have lower VOC content and emit fewer harmful chemicals into the air. Water serves as the primary carrier for the pigments and binders in these paints, making them a more environmentally friendly alternative.
We prioritize products that have obtained environmental certifications. These certifications provide third-party verification that the products meet specific environmental and performance standards. Common certifications to look for include Green Seal, UL Environment, and Greenguard. By choosing certified products, we offer our patients peace of mind, knowing we have made a conscious effort to prioritize their health and the health of the environment.
Energy Efficiency
Lighting
Our office was designed with particular emphasis on the front and rear windows to maximize natural light. Natural lighting not only reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day but also provides a more pleasant and welcoming atmosphere for our patients. Natural light improves mood, increases productivity, and promotes overall well-being.
We carefully consider the color temperature and quality of light used in our office. We aim to create a soothing and comfortable environment by selecting lighting with a color temperature that closely resembles natural light. This not only enhances the visual experience but also contributes to a calming atmosphere for our patients.
Where natural lighting cannot be utilized, we have installed energy-efficient LED lighting. LED lights consume significantly less energy (about 80% less) than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, resulting in reduced energy consumption. LED lights have a longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of bulb replacements and waste generation. LED lights also emit very little heat, which helps to reduce energy for cooling and creates a more comfortable environment for our patients and staff.
Furthermore, we prioritize lighting fixtures with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI). CRI measures how accurately colors are rendered under a particular light source. By choosing lighting with a high CRI, we ensure that our dental procedures and evaluations are performed with accurate color representation, leading to better diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Energy-Saving Fixtures and Controls
In addition to using LED lights, we have incorporated energy-saving fixtures and lighting controls. Our fixtures are designed to maximize light output while minimizing energy consumption. They are strategically placed to ensure optimal illumination for our dental procedures and patient comfort.
We have also installed lighting controls, such as motion sensors and occupancy sensors, in appropriate areas of our clinic. These sensors detect movement and automatically adjust the lighting levels or switch off lights when a space is unoccupied. This helps to minimize unnecessary energy usage and ensures lights are only active when needed.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
We prioritize appliances that have earned the Energy Star certification. Energy Star is a widely recognized symbol for energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Appliances with the Energy Star label have undergone rigorous testing and meet strict efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Energy Star-certified appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and computers, consume significantly less energy compared to standard models. They are designed with advanced technologies that optimize performance while minimizing energy waste. By choosing Energy Star-certified appliances, we reduce our energy consumption and lower our carbon footprint.
Water Conservation
We are dedicated to promoting water conservation and reducing plastic waste. As part of our sustainability efforts, we have installed a convenient and accessible water refill station at the front entrance. This station is designed to encourage patients, staff, and visitors to refill their reusable water bottles, minimizing the use of single-use plastic bottles and promoting the responsible use of water resources.
The water refill station is equipped with advanced technology to provide quick and hygienic refills. The station features touchless sensors, ensuring a sanitary and user-friendly experience. Patients and staff can easily activate the refill process without the need to touch any buttons or surfaces, promoting a safe and hygienic environment.
We prioritize the provision of high-quality water through our refill station. The water undergoes a comprehensive filtration and purification process, ensuring it is clean, safe, and refreshing. The filtration system removes impurities, contaminants, and odors, resulting in great-tasting and healthy drinking water. Staying hydrated is crucial for oral health, overall health, and promoting a positive dental experience.
Our office is dedicated to environmental responsibility and reducing our carbon footprint. Using sustainable materials, energy-efficient practices, water conservation measures, waste reduction and patient education, we strive to create an eco-friendly environment for our patients. We are proud to offer you exceptional dental care while prioritizing the health of our planet. By embracing sustainability, we not only minimize our impact on the planet but also contribute to the health and well-being of our patients and the community at large. Together, we can make a positive difference and create a healthier future for generations to come.
High-Efficiency HVAC Systems
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play a vital role in maintaining a comfortable environment for both patients and staff. We have invested in a high-efficiency HVAC system designed to optimize energy performance. This includes our hospital-grade filtration system, which utilizes a HEPA filter. The HEPA filter we use is engineered to operate efficiently, consuming minimal energy while delivering exceptional filtration performance.
Our HVAC system is equipped with advanced features such as variable-speed compressors, programmable thermostats, and zone control. They provide precise temperature control and operate at varying speeds based on the actual demand, resulting in significant energy savings. By using a high-efficiency HVAC system, we reduce energy waste and promote a comfortable and sustainable indoor environment.
