As discussed by the ADA below, this essential publication, which it is mandatory for every practice to have onsite, describes the infection control processes that dental practitioners and clinical support staff are obliged to implement.
Current infection control regulations, which are mandatory for all dental practitioners, have been developed to prevent or minimise the risk of infection for practitioners and patients alike.
As a registered dental practitioner, you cannot delegate your responsibility for implementing infection control protocols in your practice; if even one registered dental practitioner fails to follow infection control guidelines, the entire practice is in breach.
A practice owner is required to:
- Have an infection control manual detailing how each practice location implements infection control requirements;
- Keep copies of the manual and the following documents in either digital or hard copy:
- AS/NZS 4815 or AS/NZS 4187 – most practices fall under 4815
- Dental Board of Australia’s Guidelines on Infection control
- ADA’s Guidelines for Infection Control
- Educate clinical staff on the need for infection control guidelines and the importance of their consistent implementation
A guide to your legal requirements regarding infection control can be found here.
When creating or updating an infection control manual, you should refer to the ADA’s Self-Assessment Tool for Infection Control in conjunction with the ADA’s Guidelines for Infection Control and the Practical Guide to Infection Control.
Support is available through your ADA branch, and the ADA’s Infection Control Committee who can be contacted via email.
