Infection control manual
A comprehensive infection control manual which is pertinent to the daily routines of the practice must be developed. It
must describe the infection control procedures for the practice as a whole and be used as the foundation for training
dental staff. All staff in the practice need to know who is responsible for ensuring certain activities are carried out and to
whom to report any accidents or incidents.
The manual must include information about and specifications for:
• methods of hand hygiene (both routine and surgical);
• personal protective equipment requirements;
• setting up the treatment area between patients;
• environmental cleaning protocol;
• defined zones that require barrier protection and cleaning between patients;
• protocol following an exposure incident, e.g. a sharps injury;
• handling and disposal of sharps;
• 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;
• immunisation requirements;
• single use items;
• recording of information during patient treatment in a manner to avoid cross-contamination;
• use of computers and computer-run equipment during patient treatment in a manner to avoid cross-contamination;
• management of waterlines used in direct patient contact; and
• handling latex allergy in dental patients and dental staff.
Practice manuals must be updated regularly if and when new guidelines are produced from