When it comes to dentists, many people would likely prefer to forget that they exist as much as possible. That is, in between cleanings, pretend the industry is just a bad dream you have once or twice a year.
But for those that want to "bite the bullet," there are a few dentistry industry secrets of which it might benefit us to be cognizant. For instance, is anything in the office particularly germy? As a matter of fact,
13. THOSE BIB CLIPS MIGHT BE A LITTLE DIRTY.
Hygienists take great care to prepare examination rooms both before and after each patient arrives. A recent study by Tufts University, however, indicates that the bib clips used to keep those paper spit-catchers around your neck might not be fully sterile. Of 20 clips the researchers tested after use, 40 percent retained aerobic bacteria and 70 percent retained anaerobic bacteria even after disinfection. The study recommends that the industry consider disposable clips.
Read fourteen more facts about the dentistry business at mental_floss.