Reference/Features

Effective environmental Decontamination

5 mins read Decontamination/HTM 01-05
Surfaces and equipment used in the decontamination of dental instruments should be cleaned carefully before and after each decontamination process cycle. The procedure used should comply with written local policies. Julia Freeman, decontamination lead, discusses best practice in surface decontaminat

Disinfection is a process that reduces the numbers of pathogens (bacteria that causes disease) to a level at which they are not harmful; spores will not usually be destroyed. Decontamination using chemical disinfectants should only be carried out if other methods, such as heat, are not appropriate.

Surface contamination is unavoidable during dental procedures. High-speed drills create aerosols which can settle onto surfaces. Powerful aspiration can help reduce the amount of aerosol contamination.

Patients may miss the spittoon and bodily fluids end up on floors, work surfaces, and sometimes the dental nurse.

Contamination from gloves worn by clinical staff to work surfaces and dental equipment is unavoidable during dental procedures.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Dental Nursing and reading some of our resources. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Up to 2 free articles per month

  • New content available

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here