Instrument sterilization key to safe dentistry
Aberdeen-area dentists say incidents like the one that put Oklahoma oral surgery patients in danger are rare.
In March, negligent practices at a Tulsa, Okla., oral surgeon's office required patients to be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, which causes AIDS.
"I don't think there's ever going to be a problem, since we've all been properly trained," said Kristin Teigen, a dentist with Aberdeen Dental Associates. "I just don't think you'll find a problem in Aberdeen at any office."
Teigen said her office uses up-to-date equipment to sterilize all instruments. Everything is also monitored on a weekly basis to identify any problems.
The issue with the office in Tulsa was the lack of basic sanitization measures, she said. That's what caused thousands of letters to be sent to patients, suggesting they be tested.