Single use

In general dental practice it is widely accepted that single use means single use in the context of instruments and devices, such as crowns and bridges. The emphasis on decontamination and appropriate use of instruments has been a priority within dentistry across the UK. Within primary care in the NHS, there has been a particular emphasis on the ensuring that single use instruments are only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The overall aim of these policies is to improve standards within dentistry and deliver high quality services to the public. The consequence of such policies is often increased costs to the dental providers delivering these services.

An example of such a policy is the April 2007 statement from the chief dental officer in relation to the re-use of endodontic instruments. The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) also issued an updated device bulletin in December 2011 which reiterates that single use instruments should only be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The defence bodies that work with dentists have also issued guidance to their members via their websites and various newsletters. These all seem to conclude that single use means that an instrument should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. If this was not enough there are also determinations from GDC hearings in 2011 and 2012 that also make reference to single use instruments and re-use of instruments. It also seems that the GDC is sending out a clear message to the profession, that single-use means exactly that.