DTUK1010

April 19-25, 201018 Infection Control Tribune United Kingdom Edition ple, or a sharps injury occurs to a member of staff, hygiene protocols must not be suspe- nded in the urgency of rend- ering immediate assistance. If clerical as well as clinical staff have been instructed in the dangers and combative proce- dures to be taken to ensure pro- tection, there are many more hands available to offer profess- ional help at a time of extraordi- nary need. As a reminder, a copy of the practice’s own cross-infection policy and the latest (2009) De- partment of Health (DH) HTM 01-05 Decontami- nation Protocols may be awarded to every mem- ber of staff at the com- pletion of their training. At the very least, the DH publication should be readily accessible for ref- erence to anyone work- ing in the practice. Constant fundamentals Although the nature of the per- ceived threat may change – in recent years from Asian flu to bird flu to swine flu, for instance, and now, following the MMR inoculation controversy, perh- aps measles will become a higher risk factor – the fundam- entals of cross infection control are constant. The intention is to remove to the limit of possibility all patho- gens from the surgery and prac- tice environment, and since most pathogens are killed by the same products and procedures, a rigidly observed hygiene rou- tine becomes a ‘one size fits all’ solution, although there may still be occasions when specific action is required to combat a specific potential risk; MRSA, for example, has recently domi- nated the headlines in even the mainstream media. At the same time, rese- arch and new technology con- tinually bring new products to the market, along with innova- tive clinical equipment which may have its own discrete hygiene regimes, and regular reviews of the practice’s cross- infection policy should take these advances into account in the quest for an ever safer working environment. When- ever changes are introduced, it is imperative that all staff are fully informed. Identify threats Regular reviews of policy and procedures guard against com- placency and encourage staff to monitor their own health. They also present opportu- nities to identify local or parti- cular threats, which not all staff may have appreciated and which demand increased at- tention – an epidemic at a local school, for example. Regular access to profes- sional training ensures that standards are maintained for both existing and new staff members, and that practices are always familiar with the latest products, ideas and procedures in this essential aspect of safely delivering dental care within the community. DT For more information or to request a free sample please call us on 01622 695520 Septodont Ltd, Units R & S Orchard Business Centre, St Barnabas Close, Allington, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0JZ - Tel: +44 (0)1622 695520 Anaesthetics • Endodontics • Restorative Dentistry • Dental Surgery • Prosthetic Dentistry • Disinfection & Hygiene The future of composite technology is here. N’Durance® utilises a unique chemistry developed by Septodont to create the first low shrinkage, long lasting, low toxicity composite for use in anterior and posterior teeth that is compatible with all leading bonding systems. N’Durance Universal Composite® utilises a unique nano-dimer technology N’Durance Dimer Flow® is the only flowable composite based on nano-dimer technology. Dentists in the know use N’Durance. Fill your patients with confidence www.septodont.co.uk page 17DTß About the author Richard Musgrave has been in the industry for 18 years, and brought his knowledge and experience to Schülke five years ago. Initially working to de- velop both the range of infection con- trol products as well as the acclaimed infection control training division, Richard is now responsible for the UK marketing team. He attributes the success of Schülke to the quality of its product and its dedication to providing the best possible support to the dental profession, both in the UK and beyond. This commitment is demonstrated through Schülke’s association with leading companies such as Dental Pro- tection, for example. More information on infection control training is avail- able from Schülke on 0114 254 3500 or at www.s4dental.com. Guard against complacency in infection control

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