Infection control is one of the most important factors to consider in any medical environment, including a dental surgery. Potentially lethal infections are easily passed from person to person if correct procedures are not followed; yet a few simple measures are all it takes to prevent this. All dental staff, clinical and clerical, must be aware of the steps to be taken to prevent the transmission of infection. Correct training is the key to ensuring such outbreaks are prevented, to protect healthcare staff and patients from the dangers of healthcare-acquired infections.
Comprehensive infection control training must be a priority for all new staff. All must be fully trained and understand the reason the training has been given, before being allowed to start work in the surgery. Even if they have previous experience in infection control, it is important to ensure all training is carried out as soon as possible to make sure the practice policy is being followed exactly.
Personal protection is one of the key requirements in successful infection control. The healthcare workers within the practice are more likely to come into contact with pathogens than the patient, so maintaining their health and wellbeing is pivotal. It is important staff members are trained to remain vigilant about any changes in their own health, and are encouraged to ensure any worries or concerns that may arise are assessed, and potentially treated, quickly and confidently by a medical professional. The healthcare team must also be trained in personal safety precautions needed to carry out any infection control procedures, such as the need for aprons, gloves, and goggles.
There is a certain risk undertaken by the healthcare professional when carrying out infection control procedures. For example, the disposal of potentially contaminated sharps and needlesticks must be undertaken with great care, as should the use of certain chemicals and cleaning agents. It is important team members are made aware of the risks they are undertaking, and are trained in the correct procedures to carry out in the event of accidents involving staff or patients, and personal injury. It is not just healthcare workers who should be trained in these procedures. Any clerical and administration staff would also benefit from training, as in the event of an accident there would then be more team members qualified to assist.
Following training, each team member should be presented with a comprehensive copy of the practices’ infection control policy, which should be signed to confirm training has been received and understood. A copy of the guidelines should also be housed within the practice and be easily accessible to all staff, so in the event of an accident there is a policy available from which to refer.
The basic principles of infection control remain unchanged. The aim will always be to remove pathogens and bacteria, and to protect from infection, so generally the same procedures will always be necessary. However, with the advent of new technologies, advances in surgery equipment, and the evolution of new materials and new procedures, infection control procedures may have to change to accommodate. With this in mind, the practice policy should be reviewed regularly, especially if there are any changes within the practice, such as new equipment. It should be updated if necessary, and all staff must be made aware of any changes.
It is also important to react to changes in society. For example, following the recent outbreak of the swine-flu virus, and previously MRSA, all healthcare environments have had to become even more vigilant with regards to infection control. Staff and patients must be made aware of any situations like this, so they can possibly tailor infection control procedures if necessary, and so they are more alert to any symptoms they may experience.
Regular monitoring of the procedures is important to ensure the standard of the infection control within the practice is always high. schülke offers a range of in-practice, classroom and internet based courses that have been developed in partnership with the health department, COPDEND and other leading industry experts. Utilising professional training procedures regularly assists in the training of new staff members and also helps team members remain updated with the most current procedures and techniques.
Contact schülke by calling 0114 254 3500 or by visiting www.s4dental.com