How to Dispose of Dental Clinic Waste
Healthcare facilities generate a large amount of medical waste every day. Dental clinics are also a major source of biomedical waste, which needs to be handled carefully.
Improper management of dental clinic waste can lead to dangerous outcomes, such as health hazards to medical professionals, patients, and staff members working in the dental clinic.
Types of Dental Clinic Waste
Different types of dental clinic wastes are generated every day. The most common ones are discussed below.
Amalgam
Mercury is used as a bonding agent by the dentist. Given the toxic nature of mercury it cannot be released into the environment without proper consideration. Thus special measures have to be taken to handle and dispose of dental amalgam waste.
X-ray Wastes
X-ray scan generates hazardous waste while the film is processed. Therefore, it is important to dispose of such waste properly. A few of the measures, such as separating lead foils and keeping them in recycling containers, and removing the plastic element of the film can help.
Extracted Teeth
Extracted teeth are perhaps the most common dental clinic waste generated, and they contain mercury amalgam. Therefore, it is recommended to disinfect the extracted teeth in a bleach solution, and thereafter they should be sent for recycling. Keeping the extracted teeth in a separate container in the clinic is an essential part of waste segregation.
Sharps
Sharps consist of needles, syringes with needles, glass, scalpel blades, and other medical components that can cause cuts or punctures on the skin. The sharps should be enclosed in a puncture-resistant and leak-proof container. Else, it can pose a health risk to staff handling such items as they are potentially infectious and thus dangerous. Also, medical experts suggest that all other types of medical waste must be kept separate from sharps.
Also Read: 6 Must-Knows For Medical Waste Disposal In Michigan
Pharmaceutical Waste
Partially used medicines are sometime left behind in dental clinics. Moreover, medicines with expired dates also need to be managed as part of waste management. Thus, pharmaceutical waste should be properly collected, labeled, and sealed in a leak-proof container. This is necessary because such waste if it spills out and reaches a drain or sewage can cause pollution and harm the environment.
Good Practice for Medical Waste Disposal in Michigan
There are many dental clinics in Michigan, and the waste generated should be managed and disposed of in a proper manner. Some of the good practices that can be followed are:
- Segregation of medical waste
- Use color-coded waste bins
- Avoid using waste sacks and instead, opt for leak-proof bins
- Secure waste bags properly and label them
- Keep sharps bin away from direct sunlight
How to Dispose of Dental Clinic Waste
Managing and disposing of dental clinic waste can prove to be a daunting task. Therefore, the best and the most effective way to dispose of medical waste is to partner with medical waste disposal company. Medical Waste Recovery – MWR provides the best medical waste disposal services in Michigan, including dental waste disposal in Michigan.