The universal precautions we take to prevent infection include:

• sterilizing or disinfecting all dental instruments after each use, including air turbine drills

• cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces in the treatment room and equipment after each patient

• wearing gloves, masks, and protective eyewear for all patient treatment

• washing hands before and after each treatment and changing gloves after each patient

• disposing of needles and other sharp items in special containers

• properly disposing of waste items and contaminated material