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CORE CPD ALERT! 🚨
How dare I veer away from our beloved clinical topics to talk about… decontamination!?! 😱
Have you ever wondered how you should be disinfecting occlusal mirrors without getting them scratched?
Should we be using PTFE inside the pulp chamber if it’s not been autoclaved?
What are the most common decontamination mistakes that we make day in and day out that are so easy to fix?
In this episode, Jaz sits down with Decon Pete, the go-to expert for all things dental decontamination, to drive into the nitty-gritty of keeping your practice squeaky clean (and compliant!). He shares practical tips to make your decontamination process safer, smoother, and stress-free.
Common decon mistakes, PPE slip-ups, distilled vs. RO water, HTM guidelines vs. manufacturer guidelines – this episode will help you feel more confident in decontamination and up your infection control game.
How to reach Decon Pete:
- Facebook group: IPC Support by Decon Pete – a private space for dental teams to ask decontamination-related questions.
- Website for practice support and consulting: www.deconpete.co.uk
The Protrusive Dental Pearl: Pete’s Expert Recommendation on Cleaning your Loupes
- Ideally, loupes should be disinfected between every patient, but at the very least, at the end of each clinical session
- Avoid submerging loupes in any liquid – instead, use distilled water and a microfiber cloth or cotton buds for frames and nose pads
- For lenses, use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes – no acetone or bleach!
- If you’re using a visor with your loupes, you won’t need to clean them as often
Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!
Key takeaways:
- Decontamination is essential for patient safety in dental practices.
- Using proper protective equipment is crucial for staff safety.
- Transporting instruments safely is a key aspect of decontamination.
- Manufacturer guidance should always take precedence over general guidelines.
- Policies must be relevant to the specific practice.
- Manufacturer’s guidance should always be followed.
- Disinfecting instruments is crucial for patient safety.
- Water quality impacts the effectiveness of dental procedures.
- Distilled water should be used quickly after opening.
- Reverse osmosis water is more sustainable for practices.
- Proper storage of instruments prevents contamination.
Highlights for this episode:
00:00 – Intro
03:52 – Protrusive Dental Pearl: Pete’s top tips for cleaning your loupes
06:02 – Introducing Decon Pete: Pete’s background in dental decontamination
12:40 – Manual cleaning and PPE errors
17:51 – Washer Disinfector
27:06 – Instrument Transportation
30:08 – Guidance vs. Manufacturer Instruction
36:05 – PTFE Tape: Sterilization and best practices
41:06 – Occlusal Mirror Care
48:18 – Distilled vs. RO Water
56:37 – Water for Ceramics
57:22 – Outro
This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.
This episode meets GDC outcomes B and C. This is a GDC Recommended CPD Topic – 5 Hours of Disinfection and Decontamination every 5 year Cycle.
AGD Subject Code: 550 Practice Management and Human Relations.
Dentists will be able to:
- Identify common decontamination errors and implement strategies to enhance infection control standards
- Appreciate the appropriate methods for cleaning and maintaining dental equipment
- Apply best practices for instrument handling, including proper PPE use, safe transportation, and effective sterilisation protocols
If you loved this episode, be sure to check out this one: PDP018 (Don’t Get Sued)
