Patient Safety

Hudson Valley Community College's Dr. Robert H. Hill II Dental Hygiene Clinic is open for dental care.

Hudson Valley Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic follows the guidelines set forth from the New York State Department of Health (DOH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Occupational Safety, Health Administration (OSHA) and the Dental Infection Prevention & Safety Association (OSAP).

As an accredited dental hygiene training facility, infection control has always been a top priority in our clinic. We employ an Infection Control Officer who ensures state and federal guidelines are meticulously followed to protect our patients. Our professional-grade sterilization facilities offer the highest level of quality control available. We continue to ensure your health and safety by establishing screening protocols for anyone who enters our Dental Hygiene Clinic. We meet or exceed recommended personal protective equipment standards, and cleaning and disinfecting practices.

Our commitment to your health and safety continues to be of utmost importance. Infection control has always been a top priority at the Robert H. Hill II Dental Hygiene Clinic. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want you to assure you that we are committed to keeping you safe and healthy. We look forward to servicing all of your dental hygiene needs.

To learn more about these initiatives and how they may impact your visit to Hudson Valley Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic, please read the details below and visit this site for updates.

Preparing for Your Appointment

On your first appointment you will be asked to provide a detailed medical history and complete other necessary forms to become a patient of Hudson Valley Community College Dental Hygiene. Please arrive following the directives set forth by Hudson Valley Community College and bring your medical history information and a list of all medications/supplements that you are taking so that you can complete these forms and your appointment is not delayed. 

Personal Protective Equipment

Proper PPE including masks, gowns, gloves and safety glasses have always been a requirement for our students, faculty and clinical staff working at Hudson Valley Community College's dental hygiene clinic. We have included in our PPE standards the use of head coverings, face shields, ASTM Level 3 Face Masks and optional N-95 custom fitted masks for greater provider comfort and protection.

Engineering Controls

Hudson Valley Community College continues to use the newest technological air filtration systems. These units are located in each dental operatory and use the combination of advanced chemistry technology, germicidal UVC and HEPA filtration to capture and destroy airborne toxic and noxious gasses, particulates, allergens, bacteria and viruses.

Cleaning Practices

While infection prevention has always been a top priority, we are continuing to take extra precautions when it comes to cleaning our clinical facilities, waiting rooms, elevators, restrooms and other public spaces to ensure everyone’s safety. We are focusing on all high-touch areas and clean multiple times a day to make sure every area is continuously disinfected.

In addition, our dental hygiene operatories are meticulously cleaned after each patient appointment following infection control guidelines. All dental instruments are sterilized and individually wrapped in our state-of-the-art instrument processing facility using professional grade sterilization techniques.