Infection control is a critical aspect of dental practice, ensuring the safety of patients and staff alike. In New Zealand, the Dental Council has set clear standards for infection control to protect the health and well-being of everyone involved in dental care. These standards are not just guidelines; they are essential for maintaining a high standard of care and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
One of the key reasons infection control is so important in dental settings is the nature of the procedures involved. Dental procedures often create aerosols, which can contain bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Without proper infection control measures, these aerosols can spread, putting both patients and dental staff at risk of infection.
The New Zealand Dental Council's Infection Control standards address this issue by outlining specific measures that dental practices should take to prevent the spread of infection. These include:
Hand hygiene: Proper hand hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of infection. Dental staff should wash their hands thoroughly before and after each patient contact, using either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): Dental staff should wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, masks, and protective eyewear, during patient care. This helps protect both the staff and the patient from exposure to infectious agents.
Instrument sterilization: Proper instrument sterilization is essential in dental practices to prevent the transmission of infectious agents between patients. The Dental Council's standards outline the recommended methods for sterilizing dental instruments, which typically include the use of autoclaves or other heat-based sterilization equipment. These methods are highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present on dental instruments. In addition to sterilization, proper instrument cleaning is also crucial. Before sterilization, instruments should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris or organic material that could interfere with the sterilization process. This can be done using ultrasonic cleaners or manual cleaning methods. After cleaning, the instruments should be packaged in a way that maintains their sterility until they are ready for use.
Environmental cleaning: Dental practices should have protocols in place for cleaning and disinfecting the treatment area and equipment between patients. This includes surfaces such as dental chairs, countertops, and light handles, as well as equipment such as dental units and handpieces. Cleaning should be done using appropriate disinfectants that are effective against a wide range of microorganisms. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the level of contamination and the type of surface or equipment being cleaned. High-touch surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected more frequently than low-touch surfaces. Proper environmental cleaning is essential for preventing the spread of infection within the dental practice. It helps to remove or destroy any microorganisms that may be present on surfaces or equipment, reducing the risk of transmission to patients and staff.
Waste management: Proper management of waste generated in dental practices is essential for preventing the spread of infection and protecting the environment. Dental practices produce a variety of waste, including sharps, biomedical waste, and general waste, all of which must be disposed of safely and appropriately. Sharps, such as needles and scalpel blades, should be disposed of in puncture-resistant containers that are clearly labeled and located close to the point of use. Biomedical waste, such as blood-soaked gauze and extracted teeth, should be collected in leak-proof containers and disposed of according to local regulations. General waste, such as paper towels and packaging materials, should be disposed of in regular waste bins. However, it is important to ensure that all waste is segregated correctly and disposed of in accordance with local regulations to prevent the spread of infection and minimize the impact on the environment.
6. Staff health and safety: Dental practices should have policies and procedures in
place to protect the health and safety of their staff. This includes providing
vaccinations for staff against certain infectious diseases, as well as ensuring that
staff are trained in infection control practices.
Infection control is a crucial aspect of dental practice that should not be overlooked. By following the Dental Council's standards, dental practices can help protect the health and well-being of everyone involved in dental care, ensuring a safe and effective treatment environment for all. If you are unsure if your staff are completing these requirements to the Dental Council’s standard request an audit today
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