An integral piece of your required documentation at your practice, in adhering to Australian and New Zealand Compliance protocols, is the Infection Prevention Policy and Procedures Manual.
This manual must be an ultra-comprehensive document that includes information about procedures specific to the daily routines of your practice. It serves as a reference point for all your team members and should also be used for training your dental staff.
Given the meticulous details and levels of complex components of this required document, some practices tend to get perplexed at what needs to be included in this manual; as all your policies and procedures, including work instructions should be aligned with current Compliance guidelines.
To help alleviate your stress, here’s a checklist of what your Policy and Procedures Manual should include:
Methods of hand hygiene (for both routine and surgical)
Personal protective equipment requirements
Setting up the treatment area between patients
Environmental cleaning protocols
Defined zones that require barrier protection and cleaning between patients
Protocols following an exposure of incident, i.e. a sharps injury
Correct handling and disposal of sharps
Proper waste disposal
Processing of reusable items (cleaning, packaging, sterilisation, disinfection, storage)
Processing of radiographs in a manner to avoid cross-contamination
Quality control mechanisms including documentation for the maintenance and monitoring of equipment
All immunisation requirements
Correct use and handling of single-use items
Recording of information during patient treatment in a manner to avoid cross-contamination
Use of computers and computer-run equipment during a patient treatment in a manner to avoid cross-contamination
Management of waterlines used in direct patient contact
Handling of latex allergy in dental patients and dental staff
An Incident Register should be held to document any incidents or accidents, and all staff in your practice must know who is responsible for ensuring certain activities are carried out.
Remember that just having this manual alone does not meet the compliance criteria.
Practice infection prevention manuals should always be reviewed by the team and a Staff Register should be signed by all staff to show they have read, understood and will follow these practice protocols.
On top of that, your Infection Prevention Policy and Procedures Manual must be regularly updated – if and when new guidelines are produced by the Dental Board, the Dental Council New Zealand, the Australian Dental Association or the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Need help with reviewing your Infection Prevention Policy and Procedures Manual?
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