Decon Pete explores how in-practice dental compliance training helps dental teams stay compliant and confident with infection control protocols, whilst meeting CPD goals with flexible training options.
Introduction to the importance of dental compliance and infection control
Although since the early 1990s, dental practices have been aware of the need for strict infection control and decontamination procedures, the need for additional clarification in guidance is now being driven by the increasing mobility of the population which has given rise to the prevalence of diseases such as Hepatitis B, C, and newly Sars-Cov2.
The aim of dental compliance guidance is to develop awareness amongst dental professionals regarding how cross-infection can reduce and ultimately eradicate the transmission of diseases in a clinical environment. There is an acceptance by the Department of Health that this area of microbiology is subject to constant modifications and this has resulted in an evolving document (which has helped maintain its credibility) that reflects clinical advances in terms of knowledge and discovery of new viruses.
In general, knowledge about infection prevention, infection control and decontamination is improving, but UK Guidance Documents (UKGD) remain open to individual interpretation, so it can be difficult for dental professionals to work out exactly what actions they must take in order to comply. They understand what they need to do, but because so much of these documents are advisory, it is sometimes difficult to understand which parts should be prioritised and which rules they should follow.
Interpreting UK Guidance Documents
The interpretive nature of UKGD can be seen as an obstacle by some who would prefer to have clearer regulations. But the flexibility of the guidelines can be of benefit; I recommend that practitioners use all available resources to help with their compliance needs and adhere to the manufacturers’ guidance to help ensure full dental compliance when it comes to equipment validation.
In this way, they can be certain that the well-being of their patients and staff, which UKGD is there to safeguard, is assured.
The Importance of Recording and Dental Compliance
Recording of evidence and complying with the laid down procedures is the cornerstone of meeting the regulations and is vital, as if a complaint were to be made against the practice, it would be this information that would be required to demonstrate the strict adherence to policies.
Accurate recording is required by CQC, HIW, HIS, and other inspectors to support the practice's commitment to infection prevention and control standards, as well as protocols.
Infection Control Training as a Core CPD Requirement
As a core CPD subject, in which 5 hours verifiable is required in a 5-year cycle, decontamination and infection control are the key areas that are always at the forefront of the minds of Decontamination Leads.
Every practice has a duty of care to ensure that those responsible remain up-to-date with regulations and to make sure their practice supports dental compliance.
Overview of Decon Pete's Dental Compliance and Infection Control Training
Our decontamination education and training programme at Decon Pete has been developed to try and better meet the needs of every customer.
One of the areas where we have expanded our offering is in the provision of in-practice training, which has many benefits, not least of which is the ability for all members of the team to be involved.
At Decon Pete, our focus has been on creating several versions of the in-practice programme, which offers practices a choice of either a two or three-hour course, half-day, and full-day decon training.
Each alternative qualifies for verifiable core CPD and all take place at the practice, or over MS Teams, meaning the whole team, including dentists, can attend.
We appreciate that it’s sometimes difficult for a practice to find time for training, but decontamination is such an important aspect of a practice that it does deserve this extra attention.
Often, practices organise an extended lunch or close the practice for an afternoon to accommodate the training. In some cases, the training can even take place during the evening or at weekends, offering you more flexibility that helps dental professionals stay current with best practices in infection prevention and control.
Flexibility and Accessibility of Infection Control Training
All presentations are highly interactive, and we encourage the involvement of the whole team as much as possible.
Using videos and plenty of questions, we encourage engagement and comments from the team, making the whole exercise much more worthwhile in comparison to a straightforward lecture.
We make sure that everyone gets plenty of attention, we can answer questions, and in an ideal scenario, spark some debate about procedures and protocols.
All of our courses are also tailored to your individual practice's needs and requirements for their goals for sustaining dental hygiene.
Half Full Day And 3-Hour Infection Control Training
Our Half and Full Day decon training courses offer a mixture of theory and practical training and are a great way to ensure consistency throughout the entire practice.
The three-hour course includes a two-hour presentation and a one-hour practice inspection.
This version of the course gives us the opportunity to review the practice’s infection control processes and the products they are using, and then provide feedback and advice.
The inspection includes a review of PPE with suggestions on how to improve personal protection and looks at the clinical environment, suggesting ways in which they can minimise risk against blood-borne and air-borne viruses and bacteria.
This hands-on approach strengthens a practice’s overall dental hygiene programme.
Why Infection Control Matters
Our aim is to encourage good infection control behaviour throughout UK practices.
In the ultimate scenario, should a patient become infected, the onus would be on the practice to prove they were not liable.
This would involve a rigorous review of which instruments were used on a patient and which processes the instrument had been through before use.
A practice would need to be able to provide evidence as to the cleaning cycle used and the sterilisation processes that were followed.
If a practice has ignored manufacturers’ recommendations, this could make them responsible for a patient's infection, which is why infection prevention and control procedures are not only ethical but essential.
Dental Decon Log Books
To keep on top of dental decontamination room logs and checklists, Decon Pete offers a wide range of decontamination room checklists and log books to ensure dental practices are dental compliant and ready for a CQC inspection.
These handy log books cover all areas of the decon room, recording and storing all information needed for the daily dental decontamination room checks, designed to be completed as each task is carried out.
For further information or to book onto a decon course with Decon Pete, please visit www.deconpete.co.uk or email [email protected] to receive a quote!
