IPAC inspection for Ontario dental clinics - what inspectors look for in 2026
In 2026, Public Health Ontario inspectors are spending more time on documentation and sterilization workflow than ever before. Here's what to expect at your next visit - and how to make it boring.
Sterilization workflow
Inspectors walk your sterilization area from dirty intake to clean storage. They ask staff to walk through the workflow in their own words. If the written manual says one thing and the team says another, that's a finding.
- Dirty-to-clean directional flow (no backtracking)
- Ultrasonic & instrument processing documented
- Autoclave cycle parameters logged each load
- Sterile package integrity check on retrieval
Biological monitoring
Spore testing is non-negotiable. Inspectors look for current biological monitoring records, evidence of corrective action if any test failed, and confirmation that the test frequency matches Public Health Ontario expectations.
Hand hygiene & PPE
Inspectors observe staff during patient care. Hand hygiene at the four moments, glove changes between patients, mask/eye protection during aerosol-generating procedures - all watched, not just documented.
Surface disinfection
Operatory turnover between patients, dental unit waterline maintenance, and high-touch surface protocols are checked. Inspectors often ask, 'Show me how you turn this room over,' so staff need to demonstrate, not just describe.
Documentation
Every workflow above needs a paper trail. Inspectors ask to see the IPAC manual, training records, sterilization logs, biological monitoring records, and corrective actions. They expect to find them in under a minute.
More from Prime DMS Insights
All articles- Compliance
AODA compliance for Ontario dental clinics - what's actually required
AODA applies to every dental clinic with at least one employee. The training you must provide, what larger clinics must document, and how to stay compliant.
Read article - IPAC
Biological monitoring and spore testing for dental sterilizers in Ontario
How often to run biological (spore) tests, the three types of sterilizer monitoring, and exactly what to do when a spore test fails.
Read article - IPAC
How to become a designated IPAC officer for an Ontario dental clinic
Who qualifies as a designated IPAC officer, the training required, and the year-round responsibilities of the role in an Ontario dental clinic.
Read article
Want help applying this to your clinic?
Book a free consultation. We'll walk through your IPAC, training, or staffing needs and recommend next steps.