Preparing instruments for decontamination

Aim

To outline the place of instrument cleaning within dental decontamination processes.

Objectives

This article meets GDC development outcomes C

All dental practices have a legal and ethical responsibility to minimise the risk of cross-infection between patients, and between patients and staff. Infection prevention and control is fundamental to the operational efficiency of a practice and is often a core task for dental nurses. The role played by dental nurses in the decontamination process is often understated and it should be remembered that without appropriate and effective and instrument reprocessing, a practice either cannot operate or operates less efficiently.

All registered providers of health and social care must meet the Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections. The CQC in England uses the Code of Practice and related guidance on infection prevention and control when assessing whether a provider has met the regulations.