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Table 3 Results of the Postal Survey (N = 113): Self-report current practice and plans to change current practice

From: Can't do it, won't do it! Developing a theoretically framed intervention to encourage better decontamination practice in Scottish dental practices

In your current infection control/decontamination practice, do you:

Responses No (%)

Do you plan to change? Yes (%)

Remove hand and wrist jewellery at the start of each session

52%

22%

Clean hands before putting on gloves

37%

14%

Change gloves before seeing each patient

3%

3%

Use single use items only once

16%

6%

Work in a clutter – free environment

54%

18%

In your practice are you sure that:

  

Decontamination equipment is used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions

19%

6%

Testing of decontamination equipment takes place at the correct intervals

27%

10%

Decontamination activities take place in a dirty to clean workflow

23%

9%

The correct detergent is used for the cleaning method in use

19%

11%

All staff use suitable protective equipment

34%

21%

Equipment is transported using a rigid, durable, leak-proof container that has a tight-fitting lid and is easy to clean and disinfect

52%

22%

Hand pieces are cleaned as specified by manufacturers' instructions

17%

10%

Instruments are rinsed thoroughly following cleaning

18%

15%

Disposable, non-linting towels are used to dry instruments immediately after rinsing

66%

26%

All instruments are inspected with an illuminated magnifier every time after you clean

93%

22%

Written policies on cleaning instruments within the practice are followed

30%

13%