Teamwork and infection control in the face of adversity

Without doubt the Covid-19 pandemic has put tremendous pressure on the healthcare sector in the UK, and dentistry is no exception. What this period has also taught those working within healthcare is that despite the difficulties of adhering to social distancing rules and minimising contact with other people as much as possible, the key to successful infection control is through good teamwork.

During the last 15 months people worldwide have all made concerted, individual efforts to stay at home, wash their hands regularly and wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, but the main way in which the UK has overcome the threat of Covid-19 has been by uniting as a community and working together, not only for our own wellbeing, but for the good of our friends, family, colleagues and customers.¹ Those less at risk have followed regulations to protect those most vulnerable in society and it is this common sense of togetherness that has enabled the UK to reach the point where the pandemic is largely under control. The harnessing of this altruistic sense of one’s actions being for the good of the many rather than the few is one which many organisations will look to emulate in the future, recognising that the synergy this attitude creates can be very powerful.²