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CPD Approx. 1:00 Hours

£9.99

P290 Infection Control Update

This course provides learners with information about infection control and decontamination in the dental practice.

The aim of this course is to equip learners with up to date knowledge in all areas of infection control within practice.

During this course learners will be able to:

Identify different causes of infection.
Recognise the differences between bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, and prions.
Understand how to prevent infection in a clinical environment.
Identify the differences between best practice and essential quality requirements.
Understand the elements of a comprehensive decontamination process.
Detail standards around spillages and the procedure for dealing with a spillage.
Explain their role and responsibilities.
Create and maintain comprehensive validation records.
Detail what is required during an inspection.

After completing this course, learners will be able to:

Describe how infections can occur in a dental setting.
Demonstrate effective hand hygiene and understand its importance in infection control.
Outline the key infection prevention and control procedures used in the surgery environment.
Identify blood-borne viruses relevant to dentistry and explain how to manage exposure incidents, including needlestick injuries.
Define decontamination and explain how it fits into wider infection control practices.
Recognise the risks associated with Legionella and how to manage and monitor water systems effectively.
Understand what is required to meet Essential Quality Requirements (EQR) in relation to decontamination.
Explain each stage of the decontamination process, including cleaning, disinfection, inspection, sterilisation, packaging, and storage.
Compare different methods of decontamination and their benefits.
Identify the documentation, evidence, and validation records required to demonstrate compliance during inspections.

Decontamination in primary care dental practices (HTM 01-05)
Managing Decontamination in Dental Practice (SDCEP)
Decontamination in primary care dental practices and community dental services (WHTM 01-05)
Management and disposal of healthcare waste (HTM 07-01)
Safe water in healthcare premises (HTM 04-01)
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
The Environment Protection Act 1990 (including Duty of Care regulations)
The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA)
The Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012
Legionella Approved Code of Practice L8
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Standards for the Dental Team

GDC

GDC Principle 1 - Put patients' interests first
Maintaining high standards of hygiene and decontamination protects patients from infection and promotes a safe clinical environment.
GDC Principle 5 - Maintain, develop and work within your professional knowledge and skills
Keeping up to date with infection prevention procedures, including decontamination processes and legal requirements, helps ensure safe, competent care.
GDC Principle 6 - Work with colleagues in a way that is in patients' best interests
Effective infection control depends on teamwork. Understanding roles and responsibilities within the practice supports consistent and reliable standards.
GDC Principle 7 - Maintain public trust and confidence in dental professionals
Following recognised infection control procedures reassures patients and the public that dental professionals are committed to safe and ethical practice.

CQC

Regulation 12: Safe care and treatment
Infection control is a core element of patient safety. Understanding how to prevent and manage the risk of infection helps ensure care is delivered safely and effectively.
Regulation 15: Premises and equipment
Decontamination processes must meet required standards to ensure that equipment and the clinical environment are clean, suitable and properly maintained.
Regulation 17: Good governance
Keeping accurate validation and inspection records, and understanding inspection requirements, supports strong governance and helps maintain high standards of care.
Regulation 18: Staffing
Staff must be appropriately trained and competent in infection prevention and control to perform their roles safely and meet regulatory expectations.