Disinfection and Surgery Turnaround

Disinfection between patients reduces the risk of cross-contamination. It applies to clinical contact surfaces, equipment, handles, switches, chair controls, worktops, suction connections and any surfaces touched during treatment. Turnaround must be thorough enough to protect patients and staff, not simply fast to maintain the clinic schedule.

Use products exactly as the manufacturer instructs for dilution, compatibility, expiry, storage and contact time. Wiping a surface and drying it immediately may not meet the required contact time. Dental nurses should know where product instructions and the local cleaning schedule are kept.

Turnaround checks

• Remove used instruments, disposables and waste safely.
• Clean visible soil before applying disinfectant when required.
• Disinfect clinical contact surfaces and equipment listed in the SOP.
• Allow the product's specified contact time.
• Set up clean items only after the contaminated stage is finished.

Some items need specific procedures: dental unit water lines, suction systems, impressions, prostheses, orthodontic appliances, radiography sensors, keyboards, phones and reusable clinical equipment. If an item is unusual, new, borrowed or returned from another setting, check local instructions rather than guessing.

Contact times, compatibility and COSHH

Surgery turnaround is part of infection prevention, not a race between patients.