INFECTION PREVENTION SOLUTIONS FOR DENTAL

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.

About Whiteley and their products

Whiteley is a leading global innovator in infection prevention solutions. We are a family-owned Australian business, who have been operating since 1933. Our TGA licensed manufacturing facility is based in Newcastle, NSW. Unlike many other suppliers in the domestic infection prevention field, all our research and development is conducted in Australia.

Whiteley is committed to world leading research and innovative product development in the field of hygiene, cleaning, and infection prevention and control products.

Infection Prevention in the Dental Industry

Dental workers and their patients can be exposed to a range of pathogenic micro-organisms. These organisms can be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects such as instruments, equipment, and environmental surfaces. Good hand hygiene and surface disinfection practices 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.

In May 2020, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (the TGA) confirmed that Viraclean® [AUSTL 69000], “Kills Coronavirus, SARSCoV-2 (COVID-19)”. Long the flagship product within Whiteley’s range of disinfectants, Viraclean® was the first product in Australia approved by the TGA to carry this disinfection claim against the COVID-19 virus. Viraclean® is a Hospital Grade Disinfectant intended for use on a wide range of healthcare surfaces.

Effective surface cleaning and disinfection, particularly of high touch areas (i.e., doorhandles, benchtops etc.) combined with good hand hygiene practices will assist in protecting your staff and patients, especially as we move into the winter months that inevitably bring higher rates 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.

The entire range of Whiteley’s hand hygiene products are manufactured in Australia and include Bactol® Alcohol Gel antibacterial hand rub (TGA registered, AUST R 155397), the Dermalux range of hand soaps, and Bactol® Moisturiser.

Bactol® Alcohol Gel 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® Alcohol Gel has been developed in compliance with the EN1500 testing standard for alcohol-based 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 sanitizer dispensers or bottles are conveniently located.

2. Increase monitoring and surveillance.

3. Choose products staff like using. This is the quickest and best method of increasing hand hygiene compliance rates.

4. Use signage like the 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene posters to promote effective hand hygiene practices.

5. Encourage your team to provide feedback to each other on hand hygiene.