Dentists are very concerned about the introduction of new infection control guidelines as they believe they will threaten access to care and the survival of many dental clinics.
The Order of Dentists of Quebec (ODQ) recently sent its members a document entitled “Policies: Infection Control and Reprocessing of Medical Devices,” outlining new policies on asepsis and sterilization to be implemented in 2023. They were developed in collaboration with the Quebec National Institute for Public Health (INSPQ).
In particular, there are updates in the design of dental offices, sterilization and ventilation. It is important to note that this project has not yet been accepted by the Order.
Reading the more than 80-page document startled several dentists.
“The precautionary principle goes way too far,” notes Dr. Carl Tremblay, President of the Association of Dental Surgeons of Quebec (ACDQ).
He points out that the dental community has no problems with asepsis and sterilization. He believes that several elements of the document should be revised or even withdrawn and that the huge costs involved will have an impact on patient bills.
“In addition to the traceability of sterilization, which is also difficult and very expensive, there is a high administrative burden,” continues Dr. Tremblay away.
Expensive customizations
He is also concerned about the implications of one of the directives requiring a special design of the sterilization center.
“They ask for very precise configurations of these workspaces. […] compliance can require very expensive or impossible renovations,” argues the President of the ACDQ.
threatened access to care
dr Georges Girard, owner of a dental center specializing in implantology, is concerned about the impact on access to care but also on the profession.
“We already have somewhat more complex sterilization systems. However, I must adapt it to the requirements of the order. We’re talking about $20-$25,000 investments despite their effectiveness,” he explains.
Drs. Tremblay and Girard believe these guidelines will prompt physicians to close their clinics, take early retirement or live in distress, threatening patients’ access to care.
For its part, the ODQ points out that these standards have not been updated since 2009. Members and associations were able to comment on this.
She is currently analyzing these comments to continue her representations at the INSPQ to define the standards applicable in dental practices.
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