Sterilizing the Field of Orthodontics

Presenter: Dania Siddiqui, Public Health Science, Global Public Health Scholars

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Over the summer, for my practicum I was an intern at Shoe Orthodontics located in Hanover, Pennsylvania and in Reisterstown, Maryland. My job at the office was to sterilize all objects to ensure it was sanitized and clean so that no diseases would be contracted from the tools when entering the patient's mouth. I also walked patients back into the clinic and explained what Dr. Shoe was going to be performing on them at their appointment to alleviate any stress that the patient may be feeling, especially since they were younger. While sterilizing, the most important thing I learned was how crucial it is to follow the procedure step by step. Even though sterilizing is a simple, repetitive procedure, it is still extremely important because this is the step in which diseases can be contracted. All the instruments should be placed at the proper temperature and should be handled with care (using clean gloves,  not touching any other surfaces) to ensure the safety for everyone. This can be connected to public health because public health focuses on the health of a population, and to protect the overall health of a population, you have to ensure the step of sterilization is done properly.