How to Clean a Dental Practice

Posted on 26th July 2017 by jask Media

A comprehensive cleaning policy will greatly influence the standards of your dental practice and ensure that patients and staff alike are kept as safe, healthy and happy as possible. A dental practice which doesn’t maintain high standards of cleanliness will lose patients, risks passing on infections and could fail inspection from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). For this reason, it is of paramount importance that cleaning practices are thorough, well organised and consistently upheld. In this article, we will look at some ways in which you can maintain a wholly clean dental practice.  


Clinical cleanliness

Ensuring that the actual operating room maintains good cleaning practices is the domain of the dental assistant and dentist themselves. Strict sterilisation procedures should be upheld – clear labelling and written protocols will help to keep these consistently adhered to. The surgery room should be effectively cleaned between each patient, with areas which have come into patient contact or are at risk of contamination, being cleaned and disinfected with a healthcare-suitable disinfectant.

 

Housekeeping and environmental cleanliness

A clean dental practice will have high standards throughout the premises, including in waiting rooms, reception, store rooms and bathrooms. Environmental cleanliness is a key factor in reducing the risk of infection transmission and important for meeting codes of practice and CDC guidelines. Such housekeeping activities can be carried out by a well-trained cleaning service. Good practice for keeping a hygienic and clean dentist’s surgery includes:

  • Spills and other such apparent contaminations should be dealt with immediately.
  • Surfaces, floors and furniture should be impermeable to allow easy cleaning.
  • All surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. The schedule for cleaning each surface should be determined by how frequently it comes into contact with people, and its potential for contamination from bodily fluids or microorganisms.
  • Dust and grime should not be allowed to accumulate, even in hard to reach areas such as corners, high surfaces and under furniture. Such dirt can harbor bacteria and microorganisms.
  • Floors should receive a thorough, regular cleaning. To aid this, carpets shouldn’t be used.
  • Furniture – including waiting room tables, chairs and the reception desk – should be wiped down and disinfected regularly.
  • Keeping tidy and organised rooms looks professional and makes cleaning easier.
  • Cleaning equipment should be well-maintained. Single use equipment, frequently changed cleaning solution and oft-laundered mop heads, cloths and the like can all help ensure a satisfactory clean and minimise accidental contamination spreading.
  • Cleaning staff should be well-trained, familiar with healthcare hygiene regulations and work to a tailored schedule to ensure standards are rigorously upheld.

Direct Cleaning Services provide a meticulous cleaning service to clients across Sheffield and South Yorkshire. Our professional cleaners have experience and skill, allowing them to meet the strict standards set by the CQC and work comfortably in healthcare environments. Our range of services will ensure your premises – whether domestic or commercial – are left pristine, from top to bottom. For enquiries or more information about our services, don’t hesitate to contact our helpful team today.