Immunisations for the dental nurse
In this article, Shilla Talati discusses what immunisations are necessary for dental nurses or staff at the dental practice who will come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids
All Infection control
Questions and answers
In this section, we answer your questions on all issues relating to dental nursing. To submit a question, please email dn@markallengroup.com
Use of personal protective equipment in dental practices
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to protect the person wearing it from pathogens and protects the patient from pathogens that could be picked up in dental practices. This article updates an article published in 2012, updating legislation on infection control and decontamination
Good infection control practice: protecting the patient
This article will examine environmental cleanliness, surface cleaning, hand hygiene and how we have a responsibility to ensure that all our staff, patients and visitors are confident that we are doing all we can to reduce health care-associated infections
Effective cleaning techniques to aid cross-infection control
Within the dental practice, there are many pathogens that can harm the patient, as well as the dental team. This article discusses effective cleaning techniques to ensure cross-infection control and decontamination procedures are carried out according to legislation and guidance
Managing patients' requests to keep teeth and plaster moulds
In this article, Richard Griffith outlines the legislation regulating the safe management and disposal of waste and considers how the law applies to retained teeth and plaster products
Care Quality Commission audits: tips for dental nurses
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspects practices and will speak to staff members as a result. This article provides some valuable tips to achieve a positive result from CQC inspections
Sharps safety and waste management
Sharps injury is a constant risk for dentistry staff, cleaners, and waste contractors. Deficient standards of sharps safety and healthcare waste management can be costly in the event of prosecution by the HSE or the Environment Agency, and is devestating for the injured worker
The new Care Quality Commission Standards
The Care Quality Commission has published its proposed new Fundamental Standards. Are they a ‘new start’ or more of the same?
Perfecting The Decontamination Lead Role
A range of leadership and management skills are needed to fulfil the decontamination lead role effectively. The decontamination lead should work as part of the management team alongside the Registered Provider and the Registered Manager. Essentially, the decontamination lead oversees compliance with
Accountability and Infection Prevention and Control
Dental practices are areas of high risk of cross infection if standards for infection prevention and control are not met. This article discusses the accountability of dental care professionals and gives examples of the sanctions that DCPs may face if they fail to protect their patients
Reporting occupational exposure to blood and body fluids
Leavy P, Templeton A, Young L, McDonnell C (2014) Reporting of occupational exposures to blood and body fluids in the primary dental care setting in Scotland: an evaluation of current practice and attitudes. Br Dent J 217: E7
Dental Unit Water Line Management
Practices need to prevent and treat microbiological contamination of water in dental unit water line systems to minimise the risk of infection
Minimising infection risks from fixtures and fittings
Harmful bacteria can colonise many areas, including furniture, fittings and the physical structure of the practice building. Practices should carry out risk assessments, set up cleaning schedules and record when items are cleaned to reduce potential risks to patients and staff
An overview of clinical treatment coordination
Clinical treatment coordination encompasses the role of a treatment coordinator with that of an extended skills dental nurse, paving the way for dental nurses to become treatment providers in their own right. In this article, Rachel Hughes tells us her story and how it was all made possible
