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Following the updates to decontamination guidance in Scotland, Decon Pete looks at how the instrument decontamination process is changing. In the final part of the SHTM 01-05 document mini-series, this month we are going to explore the key highlights and changes to Part C of the document. Just to recap, unlike the English, Welsh and…
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Following the updates to decontamination guidance in Scotland, Decon Pete looks at how the decontamination equipment and test methods are changing. Continuing from last month’s article where we highlighted the key points from Part A, let’s take a look at Part B and see what the key points of reference are. Just to recap, unlike…
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Following the recent update to decontamination guidance in Scotland, Decon Pete looks at how the management of decontamination processes is changing. Last month we outlined that Scotland has now received a new SHTM 01-05 document. Therefore, I would like to breakdown the highlights from each section and what this means for dental practices. This document,…
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Decon Pete breaks down key changes to the Scottish Health Technical Memorandum 01-05 and what they mean for dental decontamination processes. For some time now the various areas of the UK have been working towards relatively outdated 01-05 documents. This has now changed with the introduction of a brand new SHTM 01-05 for Scotland which was…
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In the fourth part of his sustainable dental waste management series, Decon Pete discusses additional easy ways you can reduce your practice’s waste. This month, we are continuing the sustainability theme and outlining more ways practices could become more sustainable. My last three articles have looked at how the new HTM 07-01 update will impact…
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In the third part of his series on sustainable dental waste management, Decon Pete discusses some simple swaps that can reduce your practice’s waste. This month I thought we would continue with the series of articles looking at ways that practices could become more sustainable. Last month we looked at how the new HTM 07-01…
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Decon Pete discusses more simple changes dental practices can make to waste management to be more sustainable. Last month we looked at how the new HTM 07-01 update will impact the way practices think about healthcare waste management. I am starting to see many practices implement the new document as their healthcare waste providers start to…
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Decon Pete discusses how practices can make simple changes to waste management to reduce its carbon footprint. HTM 07-01, which was updated in 2022, has started to come into effect with the introduction of yellow and black ‘tiger’ bags being introduced into dentistry. If you haven’t read the new update and are not aware of…
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This month, Decon Pete discusses why keeping on top of IPC and decontamination is crucial for yourself and your practice. As a core CPD subject, decontamination and infection prevention and control is an area that is always at the forefront of the minds of decontamination leads and the entire dental team. In addition, every practice…
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This month, Decon Pete discusses the recent healthcare waste management updates and the new protocols practices will need to implement. My article in June of this year focused on the newly updated management and disposal of healthcare waste guidelines (HTM 07-01) and what you can expect from it. In this month’s article, I wanted to…
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Decon Pete explains everything that can go wrong when loading your steriliser and how to avoid some common mistakes. This month we are going to focus on the importance of loading your steriliser correctly. Whether you are using an N, S or B class autoclave it is incredibly important to ensure that the chamber is…
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This month, Decon Pete answers frequently asked IPC and decontamination questions, such as how often surgeries should be deep cleaned. Carrying on with the series of articles focusing on the frequently asked questions regarding dental (infection prevention control) IPC and decontamination, I thought that we would delve into the most popular topics that have been…
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From water temperatures to dress codes, Decon Pete continues to answer all of dentistry’s biggest decontamination questions. Carrying on from last month’s article, I wanted to continue covering of some of the most common FAQs that we receive through various channels. I have a digital thermometer for testing water temperatures but what is the correct…
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This month, Decon Pete discusses what every practice needs to know about the safer sharps regulation and why it’s critical to follow it. I get asked a lot of questions about a variety of different subjects of infection prevention and control and decontamination. With this in mind, I thought I would start a series of…
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This month, Decon Pete dives into recent changes to healthcare waste management guidelines and what these might mean for you. There are eight health technical memoranda (HTMs) that are currently in circulation. These cover all aspects of healthcare requirements from decontamination of reusable dental instruments to electrical systems. The Department of Health’s HTM 07-01 focuses…
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This month, Decon Pete outlines everything you need to know when buying washer disinfectors and how to choose the right one for your practice. Whether you are looking to replace a piece of equipment or purchase for the very first time, there are some things that you should consider which will aid your choice and…
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Decon Pete outlines everything you need to know when buying benchtop autoclaves and how to choose the right one for your practice. Whether you are looking to replace a piece of equipment or you’re purchasing for the very first time there are some things that you should consider to aid your choice and ensure you…
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When buying or replacing ultrasonic baths, there are important specifications and guidance you should know. This month, Decon Pete gives hints and tips on how to make the right choice. Whether you are looking to replace a piece of equipment or purchase for the very first time, there are some things that you should consider.…
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From treatment centres to ultrasonic baths, this month Decon Pete breaks down the steps you need to take to recommission your equipment. Last month we discussed the importance of decommissioning equipment before any period of closure or down time, and this month we will discuss how to go about recommissioning everything. We need to ensure…
