Practices need to prevent and treat microbiological contamination of water in dental unit water line systems to minimise the risk of infection. A field study involving four UK dental practices examined water quality in these systems and the effects on this of biocides and flushing
Nearly every dental surgery within the UK uses decontamination equipment, such as sterilizers and ultrasonic baths, to clean and sterilize instruments. Since the late 1990s, there has been an increased focus on the standards associated with their use. Wayne Spencer looks at what is needed to satisfy
So much of our current learning feels so repetitive and routine that our brains pay less attention to it. Presenters or tutors do most of the talking and audiences do most of the listening. In this article, Claire Deegan looks at strategies for increasing engagement in education and learning
Infection control is based upon the principle that transmission of infectious diseases will be prevented when any of the six steps in the chain of infection are broken or interrupted. In this article, Mark Cole, discussed the six steps of infection and how they can be interrupted or broken
Dental healthcare workers can be exposed to a wide range of airborne contamination. The use of a high-performance air cleaning system is a cost-effective, efficient and reliable method for reducing the exposure to contamination in a dental practice
Reports of allergic reaction to natural rubber latex (NRL) are not uncommon in dentistry. To safeguard patients and coworkers, dental nurses must recognise patients and workers at risk for NRL allergies, identify the associated symptoms, and encourage thorough diagnostics and management.
All surgical instruments that are used in the clinical environment should be decontaminated without exception. Pre-sterilisation cleaning and disinfection is extremely important in reducing the possible transmission of all microorganisms. If an instrument has not been cleaned effectively it will nev
Dental practices have legal duties to ensure that their waste does not cause pollution or present a hazard to health. This article outlines the legislation on the management and disposal of waste and how it should be applied
Ensuring good disinfection involves choosing suitable fixtures and fittings, defining clear and dirty areas, having cleaning schedules and protocols in place and following guidance, as well as using cleaning products correctly
Infection prevention and control is coming under increasing scrutiny, yet has always been considered important to the dental profession. Here, Julia Freeman explores best practice in surface decontamination
Intact skin is a first-line defence mechanism against infection. Damaged skin on healthcare workers (HCWs) is an important issue and needs to be seriously addressed. This article examines the different hand decontamination products available and identifies measures HCWs can take to protect their han
Legionnaires' disease outbreaks hits the press on a regular basis. This article takes a look at the risks around legionella in a dental surgery and discusses how to reduce the risk of staff and patients contracting this often fatal disease
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is exactly what is says; it is designed to protect the person wearing it from harm such as outside pathogens picked up from the working environment. This article investigates PPE such as gloves, mask and protective eye wear used in dental practice
