Medical and healthcare facilities should make sure delivering high levels of hygiene and cleanliness are a top priority, and dental surgeries are no exception. Patients should be reassured that your dental practice engages in the best cleaning practices, as it can positively reflect the whole surgery.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, dental practices were closed during lockdown to reduce the risk of infection transmission. Since lifting, dental surgeries are returning to normal and with a backlog of dental appointments reported to be in the millions, the demand is higher than ever. As a result, the importance of cleanliness and hygiene will be heightened.

Providing exceptional levels of cleanliness is not only important for safety reasons but first impressions count, and it can greatly impact your patients’ overall experience with your practice. It can help to present the best possible brand image, as well as providing a range of other benefits.

What are the benefits of cleaning your dental practice?

Good hygiene leads to a safer work environment and avoids the transference of bacteria between dentist and patient

Cleaning spills can prevent accidents, which if left unattended could cause significant harm to the reputation of the business

The business will appear more professional and reliable

It will pass inspections. Failing these could lead to a closure of the facility

Increased patient satisfaction, leading to positive word-of-mouth and increased patient numbers

What areas should you be cleaning in your dental practice?

Dental practices have a range of equipment and surfaces that need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Some of these include chairs, any hard surfaces and specific dental equipment (teeth cleaning/suction devices).

It’s important to also remember the reception area as well as bathrooms, as these will see frequent use from patients throughout the day.

Daily cleaning tasks

In patient rooms:

• Wipe down any dental equipment (X-ray, suction, mouth rinsing)
• Disinfect patient chairs (including armrests and headrests)
• Make sure all work surfaces are sanitized, as well as doorknobs and light switches
• Clean up any potential spillages throughout the day

In the reception/waiting areas:

• Disinfect any contact points (doorknobs, card machines, desks, light switches)
• Wipe down chairs (including armrests)
• Empty bins and replace bin bag
• Clean water dispensers (if necessary) and refill with fresh water

In toilets/bathrooms:

• Flush toilets (if unflushed)
• Clean surfaces of toilets/sinks/soap dispensers/hand dryers
• Check soap and paper towel dispensers
• Replace paper towels and toilet paper if necessary

Weekly cleaning tasks

In patient rooms:

• Give the floor/rugs a deeper clean (including sweeping/mopping/vacuuming)
• Dust surfaces, lights and ceiling corners
• Disinfect bins and replace bin bags

In the reception/waiting areas:

• Give the floor/rugs a deeper clean (including sweeping/mopping/vacuuming)
• Dust surfaces, lights, air care units and ceilings
• Disinfect bins and replace bin bags

In toilets/bathrooms:

• Deep clean the floor by mopping and scrubbing tiles
• Disinfect toilets/sinks/soap dispensers/hand dryers
• Clean the mirrors
• Dust anywhere necessary