The words to use
- HTM 01-05
- Health Technical Memorandum 01-05, England's decontamination guidance for primary care dental practices (2013 edition), setting essential quality requirements and best practice.
- Standard infection control precautions
- Basic infection control used for all patients, all the time, whether infection is known or not, such as hand hygiene, protective equipment and safe sharps handling.
- Washer-disinfector
- A machine that cleans and disinfects instruments in a validated, repeatable cycle. HTM 01-05 calls it the preferred cleaning method.
- Aerosol generating procedure (AGP)
- A procedure that can release aerosols from the airway. England's manual includes dental work with high-speed drills or ultrasonic scalers.
- Sharps injury
- A cut or puncture from a used needle or instrument. Let it bleed, wash it, cover it, then report it and seek urgent occupational health advice.
