Patient Protection Policy

The Blockley Partnership would like to inform patients that for their safety we adopt the following procedures:

• The recommended British Dental Association guidelines for cross-infection control are followed. This is because the only way to ensure each patient's safety is to assume that every patient presents a potential risk to every other patient and indeed to the dentist and nurse. We practice the same methods of cross-infection control for every patient.

• All instruments and hand pieces are sterilised between appointments in an autoclave (a machine that sterilises instruments). This process causes accelerated degeneration of the hand pieces. We regularly invest in updating the equipment we use and maintain it to the highest standards.

• Our autoclaves and sterilisers are monitored regularly by an independent body to ensure that they are functioning effectively.

• Disposable items are used wherever possible eg. suction tubes, cups, protective sheaths, unit covers, etc.

• A pre-sterilised single-use needle is always used for every patient and has been within the practice for the last forty years.

• Gloves are worn for al procedures. Protective glasses are also provided for patients whenever necessary.

• Overalls, masks and glasses are worn by members of the dental team.

• To prevent cross infection and accidental inhalation or swallowing of the small instruments that some treatments require, we use rubber dam (a protective barrier).

• All our clinical waste and contaminated sharp items are disposed of in the recommended manner by registered carriers and incinerated to prevent contamination of land-fill sites.

• Our X ray technique, film speed and intensifying screens are al recognised as reducing radiation exposure to a minimum. The X Rays are al taken using a digital phosphorus plate system.

• We have an audited Quality Assurance programme for all X Rays taken in the practice.

• We only take X Rays when indicated and use alternative methods where possible. We both take and process X Rays to the highest standards to maximise the information available from any given X Ray and to minimise the necessity for retaking X Rays.

• We constantly review our procedures and keep abreast of the latest research. We would like to reassure all our patients of our commitment to the highest standard of infection control as well as dental excellence.