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Hygiene End of Day

Closing tasks for the hygiene department after the last patient.

clinical daily closing clinicalopening closing Dental Document

5 steps · about 33 minutes · published by Dental Document

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The steps

01

Flush waterlines for 30 seconds per line

Run water through all handpiece lines and air/water syringe at end of day.

3 min Required
Why this matters

End-of-day flushing reduces bacterial biofilm buildup overnight, complementing the morning flush protocol.

How to do it

1. Run each handpiece for 30 seconds. 2. Run air/water syringe for 30 seconds. 3. Drain into cup and discard.

02

Process all dirty instruments through sterilizer

Ensure no instruments are left unprocessed at end of day.

10 min Required
Why this matters

Instruments left overnight can corrode and harbor bacteria. Same-day processing is an infection control standard.

How to do it

1. Collect all used instruments. 2. Ultrasonic clean for the appropriate cycle. 3. Package and load autoclave. 4. Run and log cycle.

03

Wipe down operatory surfaces with EPA-registered disinfectant

Clean and disinfect all contact surfaces in the hygiene room.

5 min Required
Why this matters

End-of-day disinfection prevents overnight microbial growth on surfaces.

How to do it

1. Spray all touch surfaces. 2. Allow required contact time. 3. Wipe dry.

04

Restock supplies for tomorrow

Check and replenish prophy paste, fluoride, gloves, masks, and disposables.

5 min
Why this matters

Starting the next day fully stocked prevents morning scrambling and delays.

How to do it

1. Check prophy paste and fluoride levels. 2. Restock gloves, masks, patient bibs. 3. Replace any near-empty items.

05

Complete all clinical notes and perio charting

Finalize documentation for every patient seen today.

10 min Required
Why this matters

Incomplete notes create compliance risk and billing delays. Same-day documentation is most accurate.

How to do it

1. Review each patient's chart from today. 2. Complete perio charting. 3. Document treatment rendered. 4. Add any follow-up notes.

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