What measures does the practice take to ensure my safety from infection?
 
1. All staff should realize the importance of monitoring both their own and other staff memberâ's behaviour and practice. In the event of an issue this should be brought to the attention of either the other member of staff or Dr Gilmartin, as appropriate.
2. Our named person who is responsible for regularly updating the policy to keep it in line with current advice and ensures that everybody in the practice is made aware of any changes is Dr Gilmartin.
3. All staff receives ongoing training and appraisal in cross infection control procedures. To do clinical work staff must be immunised against Hepatitis B and Rubella in order that we comply with the latest guidelines.
4. Any member of staff who discovers or suspects that they carry a blood borne virus or other serious transmissible infection will inform Dr Gilmartin in confidence and discuss any testing or changes in clinical practice which may be necessary, in accordance with General Dental Council guidance.
5. The practice provides staff with protective clothing, gloves and eyewear that should be worn during all procedures.
6. Protective clothing worn in the surgery should not be worn outside the practice premises. Please refer to our separate policy relating to Protective clothing as well as our Practice rules.
7. Patients are also provided with eye protection and bibs for all procedures.
8. Staff should follow the correct hand washing and hand hygiene procedures as outlined in our Hand Washing Policy which is located in the Clinical Governance Folder.
9. Hands are washed using the cleansing solution provided at the beginning of a session and in between each patient and as often as is necessary to maintain cross infection control
10. Any Use of Gloves should follow the Practice PPE Policy
11. Decontamination of instruments should follow the practice policy for Decontamination and Sterilization of Equipment and Instruments.
12. Storing and Using Sterilized Equipment and Instruments procedures are covered by a Storing and Using Sterilised Equipment and Instruments Policy
13. Single-use items must not be decontaminated and re-used.
14. All keyboards in the clinical areas are covered with Cling Film.
15. All working areas are minimized, clearly identified zone and are cleaned and disinfected after every patient.
16. There is a separate policy that covers safe use and disposal of sharps as well as a policy that deals with sharps injuries
17. All clinical waste is stored and disposed of in accordance with H&S legislation.
18. We use single use instruments and other single use items whenever possible.
19. All Endodontic instruments usage complies with GDC guidelines
20. Any spillages involving blood or saliva or mercury will be reported to Dr Gilmartin.
21. Anyone developing a reaction to protective gloves or a chemical must inform Dr Gilmartin immediately.
22. We have a dental Nurse duties program which outlines a number of ways that we comply with Cross Infection Control guidelines including mainly a schedule of jobs that must be done on a regular basis
23. We carry out a number of audits to ensure compliance our stated and agreed policies on decontamination, sterilization, storage and use of instruments.
24. We carry out a number of audits to ensure compliance our stated and agreed policies on Cross Infection Control
 

Last Updated 14/09/2009 Next Review of Policy Due 01/01/2011