It has been established that on-going maintenance, servicing and validation are integral to the long-term functionality of a dental autoclave. In turn, this benefits the team by optimising workflow efficiency and supporting excellent patient care every single day. Practice staff and external technicians share the responsibility for keeping equipment in top shape, and they must work together for the best results. As such, it is important for dental professionals to understand what their engineer does during a practice visit and how they can get the very most from this time.
A technical check
Dental equipment engineers will cover a range of tasks depending on whether they are assessing, servicing or validating the equipment in question. A regular maintenance check involves testing the mechanical and electrical aspects of the autoclave and fixing any minor issues before they can become bigger problems. Validation requires the engineer to evaluate specific functions to ensure the correct conditions are consistently achieved in the autoclave, which include steam penetration, temperature and pressure/cycle times. Annual PSSR testing and validation is a legal requirement for all autoclaves.
Maximising the engineer’s time
When the engineer attends the practice, it's important for practice staff to make the most of their visit. Here are some top tips:
- Seek user training
It’s crucial that all relevant members of the practice team have been appropriately trained and know how to use the autoclave safely, effectively and compliantly. The engineer’s visit is the perfect time to request user training if needed for new staff or a refresh for existing staff. Leading providers will deliver this as an enhanced CPD accredited session as great added value for professionals.
- Discuss consumables
The equipment engineer will have a comprehensive knowledge of your autoclave, so they can advise on how and where to order the relevant testing devices and consumables. They will also clarify when and how these products should be used to maximise autoclave functionality and longevity.
- Request general decontamination guidance
If you’re looking to implement changes to your decontamination processes, or wish to move further towards best practice, your equipment engineer will be a fount of useful information. If you want to upgrade your entire infection control workflow, they will also be able to recommend the right equipment for your practice and budget.
- Clarify manufacturer’s instructions
Using and maintaining your equipment correctly is essential for prolonging product life and optimising functionality. If you have any queries about the manufacturer’s equipment care instructions, your engineer will be more than happy to clarify and explain any of the guidelines.
- Optimise validation compliance
Annual PSSR validation is a legal requirement for all autoclaves. Speak to your engineer about what the report shows and what this means so you can optimise your compliance with total confidence.
- Ask questions
In addition to the examples given, use the technical visit as an opportunity to ask your engineer as many questions as you can. The better you understand your equipment and the associated regulations, the smoother you can make your practice workflows.
- Have someone of authority available
The validation and service report generated by the engineer will need to be signed by the registered manager of the practice, or someone of sufficient authority within the team. To ensure an efficient visit and to avoid unnecessary disruptions to the team, schedule a break from surgery for the principal or have the practice manager ready to sign for the end of the session.
- Put the kettle on
Few engineers will turn down a cup of tea and a biscuit before or after their equipment assessment as you chat through any questions or queries that you have!
A service you can trust
Of course, all of the above is only possible when you work with a provider with highly trained engineers that really understand your equipment and the wider needs of your practice. Eschmann, provides all this and more as part of the coveted Care an Cover service and maintenance package available for any of their decontamination equipment.
It is imperative that your decontamination equipment continues to operate effectively in order to maximise safety and efficiency in your practice. Your service engineer is critical in achieving this, so be sure to make the most of the support they deliver.