Infection Prevention is critical in the field of Dentistry. Pathogenic microorganisms can infect both patients and dental workers and spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, instruments, and equipment.

Dental workers and patients can be exposed to a range of pathogenic micro-organisms if appropriate infection prevention practices are not in place. These organisms can be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects such as instruments, equipment and environmental surfaces. Good hand hygiene practices and surface disinfection are critical in reducing the risk of contamination between dental workers and patients.

Whiteley offers a range of products suitable for creating a clean and safe environment in the dental practice setting. These products include surface cleaners, disinfectants, instrument cleaners and hand hygiene products.

Viraclean® was the first product approved in Australia with this disinfection claim against the COVID-19 virus. Viraclean® is a Hospital Grade Disinfectant intended for use on a wide range of healthcare surfaces which may be contaminated.

Effective surface cleaning, particularly of high touch areas (i.e. doorhandles, benchtops) combined with good hand hygiene will assist in protecting your staff and patients as we move into the winter months and a higher incidence of colds and flus. Ensuring hand sanitisers are easily accessible for patients in the waiting rooms, and staff in the practice rooms will assist in minimising the risk of infection.

Bactol® The Whiteley range of hand hygiene products are manufactured in Australia and include Bactol® Blue Alcohol Based Hand Rub (TGA registered, AUST R 155397), the Dermalux range of hand soaps and Bactol® hand moisturiser.

Bactol® Blue provides antibacterial hand cleansing without the need for water. It has been specially formulated with a natural emollient to replace the skin’s lipids. This helps maintain skin integrity and prevents moisture loss leaving your hands hygienic, soft and replenished. Bactol® Blue has been developed in compliance with the EN1500 testing standard for alcoholbased hand rubs.

Good hand hygiene is critical in preventing the spread of germs in dental practices. There are 5 simple steps you can take to improve hand hygiene compliance:

1. Ensure sanitising dispensers or bottles are conveniently located.
2. Increase monitoring and surveillance.
3. Choose products staff like using.
4. Use signage to promote hand hygiene i.e. 5 moments of hand hygiene posters.
5. Encourage your team to provide feedback to each other on hand hygiene.

Whiteley have developed a training program for dental professionals through their online learning centre. The ‘Infection Prevention in Dental’ course provides an overview of the importance of hand hygiene, surface cleaning and disinfecting and correct product selection to address the outcome required in your dental facilities. Included in this course are links to clinical data, demonstration videos, links to wall charts, a short quiz and certificate on completion.