Hand Hygiene - Back to Basics
22/02/2010
The importance of effective hand hygiene protocols cannot be overestimated.
Regularly washing, disinfecting and moisturising our hands is a simple, yet often overlooked routine that plays a vital role in infection control within the dental practice. Lethal bacteria are easily spread around the practice environment by touch, putting both patients and practice staff at serious risk of infection.
When we were young we learnt the importance of washing our hands before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and after playing outside.
However, as adults many of us have become increasingly careless about hand care and hygiene, forgetting the fundamental techniques that help to keep germs at bay.
By following a clear, step-by-step procedure all members of the dental team will prevent the spread of dangerous microorganisms around the practice.
1. Wash hands thoroughly for 30 seconds with water and a liquid wash solution, such as esemtan®, and rinse thoroughly under running water.
2. Dry hands and disinfect with an appropriate alcohol rub, desderman®N or gel for example.
3. Apply a rapidly absorbable moisturising cream, such as sensiva®.
schülke, global leader in infection control, offers the dentist a wide assortment of hand washes, disinfecting gels, surgical gloves and moisturisers. The team also delivers innovative, hands-on training courses and educational materials on hygiene for all members of the dental practice.
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