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PRODUCTS

W&H AIMS – Advanced infection prevention management solutions

An overall solution to optimize infection prevention in dentistry

Step 1: Used items The most important step when handling used items or new items you have purchased is to protect yourself in the best possible way. Make sure you wear protective clothing, safety glasses, face mask and gloves (PPE) during treatment and while pre-cleaning any used instruments. Single-use items must be disposed of immediately after use; following the relevant instructions for use and the disposal of waste. Step 2+3: Cleaning & disinfection Efficient cleaning aims to reduce the bioburden as much as possible. Usually cleaning processes will remove at least 80% of the original contamination and therefore plays a major role in the reprocessing of dental items. The Disinfection step during the reprocessing of used items is the main step to interrupt the chain of infection. “The purpose of disinfection is to reduce pathogenic germs in such a way that any potential chain of infection can be interrupted, and the germ count is kept as low as possible”, so its definition. Nevertheless, a disinfected item cannot be regarded as sterile. Disinfection prior to sterilization just ensures the safety of the staff members who are responsible for inspection, packaging, and sterilization.

Step 4: Inspection Carried out properly, inspection must ensure the cleanness and functionality of each item. But it is also the moment to prolong the lifespan of your instrument by maintaining it. Step 5: Packaging Packaging of sterilizable instruments with our Seal2 and EliReel. To avoid surprises when unwrapping sterilized instruments after storage, special attention must be paid to the sealing. Only a correct seal can preserve the microbial barrier of the packaging. This is also the main reason why validated packaging processes are given the highest priority. Step 6: Sterilization The efficiency of steam sterilization in eliminating pathogens is beyond question: there is no other method in terms of reliability and effectiveness that guarantees the elimination of disease-causing germs, including spores. This is also the reason why W&H recommends the sterilization of all dental instruments, provided this is possible according to their material and the manufacturer’s instructions. In particular, dental instruments with spray channels and their attachments, including low-speed motors, should always be heat sterilized as studies have shown that their internal surfaces can be contaminated. W&H provides various types of sterilizers for your needs. Step 7: Storage Sterile goods must be stored in a dry, dust-free environment. The storage area should be clean, regularly maintained and separated from non-sterilized products. The shelf life of the sterile goods depends on the storage conditions and the packaging used. Traceability with Elitrace, the enhanced documentation system which offers full traceability down to the single instrument or set will be an incredible help. The loss of sterility essentially depends on the external influences present during storage, handling, and transportation. When it comes to determining the possible storage duration, the storage conditions themselves are crucial. Be best prepared with W&H products and the AIMS workflow, the first and only 24-hours tool for the reprocessing process of dental instruments, scientifically validated.

With W&H AIMS we draw attention to our proven expertise and broad product portfolio in the field of infection prevention. Based on scientific evidence, the understanding of different needs in different markets and the unique experience in the development of related products W&H AIMS supports entering new markets as well as strengthens the bond with already existing customers. W&H AIMS provides the opportunity to manifest W&H as the key partner for dental hygiene and maintenance solutions. Science-based W&H AIMS conveys profound know-how which helps to form a deeper understanding of how infection risks arise and why each step of the reprocessing process as well as personal protective equip- ment are key to breaking the chain of infection in dental practices. Furthermore, W&H AIMS demonstrates ways to make the whole reproces sing process more efficient and effective. Our main objective is to support dentists all over the world in the best possible way not only by high-end products but complete solutions to make their professional life safer, more efficient, and comfortable. The know-how of our years of experience is transported by an innovative virtual step-by-step guide, including best practice recommendations; offered in a varied, comprehensible way.

24 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST