Winter is coming: NHS dentistry and oral health update

The latest update from the NHS anticipates “winter pressures and an increase in respiratory infections.”

In light of this, both Sara Hurley, chief dental officer, and Lisa Ritchie, head of Infection Prevention and Control, emphasized the importance of reviewing risk assessments and risk management measures in the coming season.

The opening statement advised staff to use the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) as “your key reference.” The manual applies to all NHS settings, however, there is also a specific dental framework available.

For cleaning standards, many NHS staff members will be aware of the guidelines issued in the National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2021. The document not only provides “clear advice and guidance,” but also describes a way of demonstrating that the cleaning standards outlined have been met. The authors added, “We can confirm the GDS and PDS contract-holding dental practices will not be required to complete the various templates outlined in the document. However, the guidance on cleaning requirements and how it should be done sets a benchmark for quality to which all should aspire.”

In connection with the focus on infection prevention, the authors note that “the CQC has published Dental mythbuster 38: Infection prevention and control. This timely update reflects the CQC’s approach to general medical practice and confirms that the CQC have “no expectation relating to star ratings or logos in dental practices.”

Reducing violence against staff assets

This section of the update opens with an acknowledgement of the “damaging impact” that “violence, abuse, and harassment can have on people’s health and wellbeing, affecting both mental and physical health.”

In an attempt to reduce abuse and violence towards all NHS staff, new public-facing assets are available to download. The assets carry the message ‘We are here to help you. Thank you for treating us with respect.’

Available resources include posters, social media graphics and digital screen graphics for waiting rooms.

The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP) is now open for applications!

The NHS CEP programme from Anglia Ruskin University and Accelerated Access Collaborative is “the biggest entrepreneurial workforce development programme of its kind.” The programme is open to all NHS staff to provide, “the commercial skills, knowledge and experience needed to successfully develop and spread innovative solutions to the challenges facing the NHS.”

“The programme is free, lasts 12 months, and consists of: