The dental nurses' guide to infection control and decontamination

  • K. Porter
Quay Books 150 pp. £19.99 1856423603 | ISBN: 1-856-42360-3
Handy, affordable, complete.

Finally, a dental nurse textbook that focuses on the important topic of cross infection control rather than simply skimming the surface. Until the new version of the BDA advice sheet A12 Infection Control in Dentistry (BDA, 2003) is published this summer, this book expands on every area of the A12's minimum requirements. The handy sized book is aimed squarely at dental nurses, whichever setting they work in, at an affordable cost.

Finally, a dental nurse textbook that focuses on the important topic of cross infection control rather than simply skimming the surface

The informative 130 pages are broken up into five easy to understand chapters. The book covers everything from the causes and types of infection to removal of clinical waste and equipment maintenance. The glossary at the start is a useful reference with such items as ‘Bowie-dick test’ and ‘Seroconversion’. Detailed checklists at the end of each chapter summarise the main points and provide external references should the reader need further information. This would also be useful for those currently working towards a qualification. Useful step by step illustrations and photos are used throughout without detracting from the text. Another useful feature is that the author continually refers to the current Health and Safety legislation throughout.

The book guides the reader through infection to the different types and methods of prevention to effective personal protective equipment. The sterilisation chapter breaks the process down into its specific stages and includes detailed notes in aseptic procedures. You are also told how to maintain and increase the longevity of dental instruments and general surgery equipment. The last chapter is concerned with waste produced within the surgery; it leads the reader through the potential minefield of law concerning waste.

With CPD being introduced this year and infection control being a large part of this, dental nurses will need to have more than just a basic knowledge and this book will help with the understanding behind the practice.

GDPs could also benefit from this book as the author looks at surgery design with specific regards to infection control, an important issue to bear in mind when introducing new exciting equipment to a surgery.

With CPD being introduced this year and infection control being a large part of this, dental nurses will need to have more than just a basic knowledge and this book will help with the understanding behind the practice.

In summary I feel this book could become a vital tool for all dental nurses and other members of the dental team, not only as a guide when starting out but also as a handy reference book for more experienced members of staff.

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