Cross Infection Control & Sterilisation

At Oldmeldrum Dental Practice we take the well-being and safety of our patients very seriously. We understand the concerns many patients have over cross infection control and sterilisation. Cross infection control prevents the spreading of infectious diseases from staff to patient, patient to staff, staff to staff and patient to patient. Oldmeldrum Dental Practice follows all of the national guidelines for cross infection control. We use disposable materials wherever possible. In situations where the use of disposable equipment is not possible the following methods are used to ensure the highest levels of sterility.

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Washer and chemical disinfector

 

Washer and chemical disinfectors are sophisticated medical devices used to clean the instruments prior to the use of the autoclave.

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Autoclaves

 

Autoclaves are a very effective way of killing bacteria and viruses. The autoclave works by bathing the instruments over a period of time with steam at a very high temperature and pressure. The instruments are seal in sterile pouches and dated before being stored in the cabinetry.

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Chemical Disinfection

 

Some instruments such as plastics, the work surfaces and the dental chair cannot be placed inside an autoclave. These items are fully disinfected using powerful chemicals which are designed to kill bacteria and viruses.

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Hand Sanitisation, Gloves and Masks

 

Hand sanitiser is routinely used before and after each patient for both clinicians and nurses. A new set of disposable non-latex gloves is worn for every patient and the nurse will replace gloves following retrieval of instrument or material located in the cabinetry. The clinician and nurse will wear a face mask and eye protection or visor. An enhanced FFP3 mask is worn for all aerosol producing procedures since the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Air circulation & purification

 

Air circulation & purification has become an important cross infection control measure since the Covid-19 pandemic. Each surgery has a HEPA air filter, UVC air purifier, small ioniser and a window to modulate the air circulation & purification. This allows each surgery to achieve over 10 air changes per hour, which is deemed to be the highest standard. The air conditioning units have been fitted with UVC air purification and an additional HEPA air filter is located in the waiting room. In addition to this, new extraction fans have been fitted to the disinfection room and toilet area.

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Additionally:

 

• All staff receive ongoing training and appraisal in cross infection control procedures. They must be immunised against Hepatitis B and Rubella in order to work in the surgeries.
   

• The practice provides staff with protective clothing, gloves and eyewear that is worn during all procedures. Patients are also provided with eye protection and bibs for all procedures.
   

• All working areas are kept to a minimum, identifiable zones are used and are cleaned & disinfected after every patient.
   

• Needles and scalpels are all single-use and are disposed of in the yellow sharps container.
   

• All clinical waste is stored and disposed of in accordance with H&S legislation
   

• All patients have their medical history checked and updated at each visit and all staff observe total confidentiality in all matters relating to the patients at the practice.
   

• All staff are encouraged to report any procedural failure or accident immediately. Should an accident occur, the staff member must follow the guidelines and seek occupational health if required.