Understanding Dental Waste Disposal

 Medical waste is considered to be the most hazardous waste due to its diversified field. If not handled properly, it can harm the environment and its bio life, severely. All types of medical wastes must be disposed of properly in order to protect the people and animal around. Hence disposing of medical waste is also very important and should be done properly. Disposing of medical waste includes body fluids, blood, tubes, sharps, dental sharps, etc.

Dental sharps disposal is also very crucial and should be done properly. Sharps generated from dental clinics can also be very dangerous if not handled appropriately. Following proper disposal methods and procedures is an essential feature in keeping your patients and staff safe and also in complying with the rules and regulations related to the disposal procedure.

Let’s go through some important points for correct dental waste disposal.

Amalgam Disposal

Amalgam is a dental material that needs to be managed carefully because it consists of mercury and other harmful chemicals that can harm people and the environment. Some associations even have specific guidelines for amalgam disposal. It is also necessary to contact a dental waste provider who is well aware of its disposal procedures.

Soft Waste

Bandages, stained with blood or saliva, soft and hard tissue, and cotton that was in the patient’s mouth must be placed in the red bags, specifically made for biohazardous waste. These soiled items carry bodily fluids that can infect staff or other patients, if not disposed of properly. These containers or bags must not be over-flown and should be emptied once it is 75% fill. The staff must be well aware of the items that are normal trash and items that are biohazardous or hazardous waste.

Gloves and medical Gowns

Even when there is no blood or bodily fluids visible on the gloves, masks, medical gowns, or even patient bibs, they must be disposed of properly to reduce the risk. The staff must be properly trained to never reuse these items, even if they look clean, and discard them as soon as they are removed from the body.

Dental Sharps

Needles, wires, or any kind of pointed objects or sharps must be thrown into containers specifically designed for sharps disposal only. Just like other bio-hazard containers, these must not be overfilled and should be disposed of after it is 75% full.

Final Consideration

Any kind of medical waste, even if it is generated from a dental clinic, must be disposed of properly to prevent the environment from its harmful effects. Disposal of medical wastes like bodily fluids, sharps, etc. must be done by following proper procedures and State & Federal rules and regulations.

Dental sharps disposal must also be done very carefully as it contains chemical wastes that can harm the people and the environment severely.