Dentists have always taken pride in providing a safe environment for their patients. Preventing the spread of diseases is a very high priority. Dental offices follow a specific set of rules called "Universal Precautions." Examples of these precautions are the wearing of masks and gloves by dental personnel. Instruments used to treat patients are carefully cleaned and sterilized using heat, steam pressure or both. Sterilizers are checked regularly to be sure they are working properly. More and more instruments are being developed that are disposable. They are used for only one patient and then discarded. Dental treatment rooms are carefully cleaned and disinfected between patients using an iodine solution or similar product. Disease transmission in the dental office is a concern for dental personnel and patients alike. However, in my opinion it has never been safer to be treated in a dental office. "Universal Precautions" definitely work. Presented in the interest of promoting a better dental health environment from the office of" Frank Soltiz, DDS 13367 Broadway Alden, New York 14004 937-7812