This policy should be read in conjunction with the Infection Prevention Procedures. For the safety of our patients, visitors and team, Sonria Dental Clinic follows the latest guidelines and research on infection prevention. We comply with HTM 01-05 essential quality requirements and maintain a written assessment and plan to move towards best practice. We take Universal Precautions for all patients to minimise all known and unknown risks of cross infection.
We follow the latest decontamination guidelines from the Department of Health and relevant guidance in England for new and used instruments. Stored instruments are protected against recontamination. The treatment rooms and all equipment are decontaminated appropriately between patients and at the end of every clinical session. Defects found during the cleaning of equipment are immediately reported to the person responsible for decontamination. Full details of our decontamination procedures are contained within the practice’s Infection Prevention Procedures.
Sonria Dental Clinic meets the Essential Quality Requirements of the Department of Health guidelines on infection prevention and control, including HTM 01-05. Our plan to meet best practice is reviewed and maintained by the practice.
Staff involved in decontamination and clinical work have evidence of current immunisation against Hepatitis B, where appropriate to their role.
All items despatched to the laboratory are washed and disinfected after removal from the mouth, and items received from the laboratory are washed and disinfected prior to fitting.
Equipment is decontaminated before being sent for repair.
Whenever possible, we utilise single-use instruments, which are always disposed of after use on a patient in accordance with the practice’s clinical waste procedures.
Reusable instruments are appropriately cleaned, decontaminated, sterilised and stored in accordance with relevant infection prevention and control procedures.
To minimise the risk of blood-borne viruses, all staff are trained in the avoidance and management of an inoculation injury.
Post Exposure Prophylaxis is available if necessary. Staff at risk of blood-borne virus exposure have access to appropriate occupational health support.
All inoculation injuries are reported, recorded and managed in accordance with the practice’s incident and emergency procedures.
The practice takes all reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure of staff, patients and visitors to Legionella in accordance with existing guidance.
The practice carries out appropriate Legionella risk assessments, water testing and audits. Flushing of hot and cold water outlets is routinely undertaken by the practice and the practice’s water management procedures are followed.
Records of all Legionella control activities are maintained and reviewed as part of the practice’s management review.
All staff maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, including effective hand hygiene, and follow the practice’s recommended techniques.
Staff follow requirements relating to jewellery, clinical clothing and other personal hygiene measures outlined within the practice’s Infection Prevention Procedures.
All team members follow the practice guidelines for personal protective equipment. These include masks, gloves, protective eyewear, clinical attire and suitable footwear where required.
PPE is selected and used according to the procedure being carried out and the level of risk involved.
Clinical staff are trained in how to manage an accidental spillage of a hazardous substance and how to follow the practice’s emergency arrangements.
All spills are managed promptly and safely using the appropriate procedures and protective equipment.
Waste is carefully handled and disposed of by appropriate carriers according to current regulations and the practice’s Waste Management procedures.
Clinical, hazardous and other waste streams are segregated, stored and disposed of appropriately to minimise risks to patients, staff, visitors and the environment.
Dental unit waterlines undergo appropriate disinfection, flushing and maintenance to minimise the risk of biocontamination.
Practice water is inspected and tested as necessary to maintain appropriate water quality.
Each member of the team undergoes regular training and review and has a responsibility to ensure a safe working environment for all.
Training includes:
Sonria Dental Clinic audits and reviews infection prevention procedures every six months with the aim of continual improvement in standards and to update this policy and associated procedures as necessary.
Audit findings are reviewed by the practice and any required corrective or improvement actions are recorded and followed up.
Practice Owner: H. Shahin
H. Shahin has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented, reviewed and maintained, with appropriate responsibilities delegated to suitably trained members of the dental team.
Signature: __________________________
Date: ______________________________
Name: H. Shahin
Position: Practice Owner
Sonria Dental Clinic, 25 Devonshire Place
London W1G 6JD
| Monday to Friday | 8.00 am – 6.00 pm |
| Saturday | 9.00 am – 2.00 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
For Dental Professionals Only
