Dentists are being urged to thoroughly review their infection control standards after one of their numbers had their licence suspended.
Brisbane lawyer, Maurice Hannan, said the issue of health professionals meeting industry standards is in the news with an infection control crackdown on practices.
“We have recently been involved with a matter where our dentist client had their license suspended for not complying with infection control standards. We have also legally represented our client before the Dental Council and managed matters relating to other regulatory bodies,” he said.
Currently, the NSW Dental Council and the NSW Department of Public Health are vigorously targeting practices which are not complying with infection control procedures. However, health crackdowns are not confined to NSW and should be regarded as a nationwide issue.
“I think dentists everywhere need to conduct a thorough check of their infection control procedures including using gloves at appropriate times and having all equipment serviced and records kept.
“You should be aware that you may be at risk of a visit by an inspector from the Dental Council,” Mr Hannan said.
He recommended that dentists review their current patient recording procedures as the supervising authorities have been reviewing these with dental practices with concerns of possible Hepatitis B, C and HIV infection of patients.
They may decide to send letters to your patients which may have serious consequences to your business
There was a growing focus on health law across a national client base with mounting pressure on healthcare professionals to prevent infections through more rigorous practice health standards.
“The main issue is about Infection control standards,” Mr Hannan said.
“Infection control standards apply to all medical professions including doctors so this warning applies to all medical professions especially dentists nationally,” he added.
Any health care professionals contacted by either the Dental Council or the Department of Public Health should contact the firm immediately before responding to any queries.
“We can help health care professionals comply with the checklist of infection control from bodies such as the Australian Dental Association. But we stress staff should be fully informed and all staff have current blood tests and records of these kept,” he said.
Queensland Health has also been publicising the need for its staff to maintain rigorous hygiene standards through signage at hospitals amid a wider campaign in Australia to make all health professionals widely wash their hands before and after seeing patients, to combat hospital-acquired infections.
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