Cross infection control

We are all well aware that the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry, and the axiom is as relevant to the planning of cross infection control measures in the dental practice as it is anywhere else.

When planning to build a new dental practice, or refurbishing an existing one, practitioners are invariably keen to address the issue of cross infection control early on. They all want to ensure that they are ready to be assessed on their compliance with official obligations (chiefly to HTM01-05). They are also keen, of course, to ensure the best care for their patients.

It is widely accepted that although planning laws and building regulations are broadly the same across the UK, local authority building regulation officers will enforce them in different ways. There are a number of reasons for this situation, such as local economic conditions, knowledge and constant changes. It has become something we all cope with. However, it might be more surprising to many to hear that the conditions of HTM01-05 are enforced differently by different primary care trusts (PCTs).