Medical waste is the most hazardous kind of waste that can severely harm the environment and its bio life. Hence, medical waste must be disposed of properly using disposal containers, specifically made for the disposal of these kinds of wastes. Medical wastes include sharps, body fluids, tubes, etc. in good quantity from homes, hospitals, dental clinics, etc.

Dental sharps disposal is as important as waste disposal from any other clinic or medical field. Medical waste in dental offices includes different categories like pharmaceuticals, dental amalgam, sharps, etc., sharps being the most common. In dental offices, sharps include needles, scalpel blades, orthodontic wires, and anesthetic carpules. So, even at dental offices, it is necessary to follow all the regulations regarding sharps disposal

Sharps are not only limited to medical professionals but are also used by the general public. That is why government regulations are issued for proper sharps disposal for both medical professionals and the public.

Using the Right Containers for Disposal

Sharps are never thrown into general trash or recycling container. They are to be discarded in a separate and proper disposal container. These disposal containers are puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and have a biohazard symbol that is easily visible to differentiate it from other containers. They also have a mark indicating that the waste should not exceed that point.

These containers should have openings wide enough that the needle or blade or any kind of sharp can fit inside. Also, its covering lid should be properly sealed to prevent any kind of leakage or spills while disposing or transporting them to a proper disposal center.

Making Everyone Understand Proper Disposal

Every employee in a hospital or dental clinic or people at home must know the sharps disposal correctly. They should be aware that medical waste cannot be carried normally or recycled like other waste materials. Everyone should be properly aware of federal and state regulations regarding dental sharps disposal. Every state has different rules and regulations for the correct disposal of all kinds of medical waste. It includes proper instructions that need to be followed for coverage, storage, and transportation of medical waste.

Every dental practitioner and the employee working there should be well-versed in these regulations and the proper disposal of dental sharps or medical waste.

Organizing the Workplace

The place where sharps are used like hospitals, dental clinics, other clinics, or home should have sharps disposal containers at particular areas in adherence to government regulations regarding this. Every room where sharps are used to perform any procedure should have a sharps disposal container.

Dentists should also keep dental sharps disposal containers at places where it is easily visible and approachable but, places where heavy foot traffic is experienced like under sinks, back of the door, etc., should be avoided.

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