Infection control in dental practices is not just a routine, it's a responsibility. We understand that as professionals, you already appreciate the significance of this. But did you know, some bacteria can survive up to 2 hours on surfaces? This raises a critical concern - how many patients could potentially be at risk of infection during that time? It is vital that you ensure your disinfection routine is as robust and reliable as possible for the safety of both patients and practitioners.
The pervasive threat of bacteria
Every 20 minutes, the number of bacteria can double. In just 7 hours, the count can skyrocket to over 10 million bacteria lurking on surfaces within your practice. This rapid growth underscores the urgency of maintaining stringent disinfection protocols..png?width=418&height=251&name=blog%20images%20(17).png)
This multiplication isn't just a statistic; it presents a serious concern. Inadequate disinfection measures can lead to a breeding ground for potentially harmful microorganisms. It emphasises the necessity of a comprehensive disinfection strategy to ensure a safe clinical environment.
Some bacteria exhibit remarkable survival skills, enduring for up to 2 hours on surfaces. Consider the potential risk of infection for every patient during that window. This reality underscores the pressing need for meticulous disinfection protocols. It's not just about routine; it's about minimising the potential for cross-contamination and safeguarding the health of all who enter your practice.
Contaminated surfaces pose a significant risk to both patients and practitioners. Thorough disinfection is crucial to prevent potential outbreaks and ensure a safe clinical environment. By diligently adhering to rigorous disinfection protocols, you not only uphold the highest standards of care but also cultivate an environment where both patients and practitioners can feel confident and secure.
Areas for vigilance
Surfaces
Surfaces are easy vectors of infection and must be wiped down frequently, this is true for surfaces both in the surgery and in administrative and waiting areas of the practice. 
The HS Eurosept Xtra disinfection range is a reliable, ready-to-use surface solution that is not only convenient but also highly effective. Ideal for manual cleaning, it demonstrates its prowess with bactericidal action, fungicidal power, and mycobacterial control, for multi-level protection. It even works as a limited virucidal solution! Trust HS Eurosept Xtra to elevate your infection control practices with its efficiency and ease of use.
Throughout the range, Eurosept Xtra disinfection comes in different concentrations and sizes, so you can choose the option most suitable for your practice. Don’t leave surface hygiene up to chance!
Wipes
Wipes are a quick and effective solution for less intensive cleaning, designed with convenience and effectiveness in mind. They offer a fast and reliable solution for when thorough cleaning is needed, providing you with the assurance that every surface is disinfected and safe for use.
HS EuroSept Xtra Wipes from Henry Schein are available as alcohol-based and alcohol-free solutions. Designed for alcohol-sensitive surfaces, the alcohol-free variant provides a broad spectrum of efficacy against bacteria, yeasts, and viruses, with a quick 2-minute contact time for bacteria and Candida albicans. Meanwhile, the alcohol-based variant is ideal for alcohol-resistant surfaces, with a swift 1-minute contact time against various pathogens, enveloped viruses, and mycobacteria.
Both options have ready-to-use formulas, ensuring a pH-neutral, virtually residue-free finish. Tailored for different needs, these wipes offer a robust defence, adapting to your specific infection control requirements.
Sterilisation pouches
Sterilisation pouches, made from medical-grade materials, are pivotal tools in maintaining infection control standards. These packaging devices provide a protective environment for dental instruments and ensure the instruments remain sterile during storage.
Post-sterilisation, the sealed pouch acts as a barrier, safeguarding instruments from contamination until they are ready for use. Widely applied to items like dental mirrors and explorers, sterilisation pouches contribute significantly to the overall safety and hygiene of dental practices.
Take charge of sterilisation with confidence using sterilisation pouches from Henry Schein. These pouches, made from polyethylene and paper, provide a secure and self-sealing solution. The colour indicator panel takes the guesswork out of the process by changing when sterilisation is complete.
These pouches are meticulously crafted to provide a secure and sterile environment for your instruments. With Henry Schein Selfseal pouches, you can be confident that every instrument is protected and ready for use when needed, contributing to the overall safety and effectiveness of your practice.
Instruments
Elevate your sterilisation process with the Henry Schein Instrument Cassette Tray (available for 5, 10 and 20 instruments).
Crafted from high-quality stainless steel and featuring silicone holding rails, these trays are designed for secure instrument placement. The fully vented design ensures optimal sterilisation, making them suitable for both washer disinfectors and autoclaves. With interchangeable upper and lower rails, flexibility meets efficiency.
Continue to safeguard your instruments effectively with replacement silicone rails for your instrument cassettes. Available for 5, 10, or 20 instruments, and in vibrant colours (blue, green, purple, yellow, red), these replacement rails enhance both organisation and sterilisation. The silicone rails offer a secure grip, and the interchangeable design allows for versatile use.
Barrier sleeves
Easy to use and dispose of, barrier sleeves are vital for maintaining a sterile environment during patient treatment. By acting as a physical barrier, they prevent direct contact between dental handpieces and the patient's mucous membranes or fluids, thereby minimising the risk of cross-contamination.
Henry Schein offers a wide range of barrier products to protect patients and clinicians from infection. Get barriers you can rely on for everything from chairs to curing lights!
The key role of dental professionals
By prioritising thorough disinfection, dental professionals significantly contribute to creating a safe and hygienic environment for every patient. This commitment to infection control doesn't just benefit individual practices; it safeguards the broader community and upholds the highest standards of care. It's a demonstration of the dedication and professionalism that defines the dental profession, ensuring that every patient receives care that is not only effective but also safe and secure.
