Maintaining asepsis is a critical part of the dental hygiene process of care.

It is

important to understand how bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms could be

transmitted. I was able to further my understanding of asepsis and sterility through my

work as a sterile processing technician in the OR at Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar

Falls, IA.

Working as a sterile processing technician helped me learn the importance and the

process for cleaning and sterilizing medical equipment. Proper sterile safety measures are

necessary in reducing post-surgical complications. This experience was valuable to me

and directly relates to my work as a dental hygienist. Hygienists need to maintain asepsis

to help keep themselves, their co-workers, and their patients safe.

Kirkwood’s dental hygiene program does a good job of having students learn

about asepsis before treating patients in order to ensure that patients are receiving quality

care. Both Microbiology and Organic and Biochemistry help students have a good

foundation in understanding microorganisms. In Health Skills, the sterile field

proficiency helps students learn how to set up and handle sterile equipment. The

operatory asepsis proficiency from the Fundamentals of Dentistry Lab helps to ensure the

students’ understand how to maintain asepsis as a hygienist. I feel confident in having the

background knowledge and clinical experience to maintain asepsis while treating patients

as a hygienist.