The Dental Board of Australia has launched its first ever video for patients to help make sure they are getting safe care from their dentists. The video aims to help patients know what infection prevention and control protocols to expect, encourage patients to ask questions about infection prevention and control, and to inform patients on what to do if they have a concern.
To view the video go to www.dentalboard.gov.au. The video gives dental patients seven easy to remember tips to consider whether their dentist is following the correct infection control protocols.
1. Is your dental practitioner registered?
2. Does your dental surgery look clean and tidy?
3. Is your dental practitioner wearing appropriate clothing, gloves, a mask and glasses?
4. Does your dental practitioner have a sink in their surgery where they can wash their hands?
5. Does your dental practitioner work with an assistant?
6. Are the instruments used on you clean or new and disposable?
7. Are the instruments sterilised or does the dental practitioner have an autoclave (which is a machine used to sterilise instruments)?
If you have concerns, it is usually best to resolve any problems with your dentist if you can. If you still have serious concerns you can make a complaint to: AHPRA and the Dental Board of Australia on 1300 419 495.