MDDP comprises a Checklist that can be used to review the current status of decontamination documentation and a collection of templates and forms that practices can adapt for their use (see table below). Please note some of these templates have been updated to align with SHTM 01-05.
Many of the MDDP documents comprise policies and procedures.
A policy states what the practice sets out to do.
A procedure is a more detailed guide for what to do to put the policy into practice.
While for most activities both a policy statement and procedure are appropriate, for some either a policy or procedure is sufficient.
To begin using MDDP to develop your decontamination management system, first familiarise yourself with the MDDP Checklist, the template documents and the list of other documents below.
Use the MDDP Checklist to note which items are included in your current documentation.
If you already have similar documents in use in your practice:
Refer to the documents cited in the MDDP Checklist to confirm whether you have included all the necessary elements to cover the processes, equipment and products used for decontamination.
Update your documents as necessary.
If you are just at the stage of setting up your decontamination management system:
Use the MDDP Checklist as the basis for compiling the necessary documents and establishing processes.
Practices are likely to differ in the way that they store documentation (e.g. electronically or printed). It is recommended that some items, such as certain procedures, are readily available for staff to consult routinely.
By using the MDDP documents as described, you should find that when a practice inspection approaches, it is more straightforward to produce the necessary documentation to demonstrate that you are achieving the national standards for decontamination as expected of a modern primary care dental practice.
Several of the documents below are also referred to within other sections of the Practice Support Manual.
| Document Name | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| Managing Decontamination in Dental Practice Checklist |
A checklist of all documentation required for decontamination management. Use this checklist to review the current status and to note the location of your documentation. Related template files or other sources of information are listed alongside each item. |
|
Policies and Procedures |
|
| Cleaning of the care environment and care equipment policy template |
Practice policy on environmental cleaning with related procedure. |
| Decontamination of Reusable Items Policy and Procedures template | Practice policy and procedures for all aspects of decontamination, including facilities, training, equipment testing and operation, instrument transport, cleaning, sterilization and storage and decontamination failure. Updated April 2024 – numerous changes to align with SHTM 01-05, including roles & responsibilities, testing & maintenance, record keeping, general procedures, use of UC as a back-up, WD and sterilzer procedures, addition of version record |
| Decontamination Methods For Instruments Used in This Practice template | A summary of the categories of instruments and other clinical devices used in the practice that specifies the compatible method(s) used to decontaminate them. Updated April 2024 – only change is to cite SHTM 01-05. |
| Dispatch to Laboratories and Equipment Suppliers Policy template | Practice policy with related procedure. Updated April 2024 – only change is addition of version record |
| Hand Hygiene Policy and Procedures template | Practice policy with a related procedures Updated April 2024 – changes related to hand rubs, references to NIPCM and addition of version record |
| Health & Safety Policy template | The practice policy on health and safety. Makes reference to several other policy documents on specific aspects of health and safety. |
| Infection Control Policy template | Overarching practice policy that covers all aspects of infection control. Makes reference to several other policy and procedure documents that are also related to infection control. |
| Infection Control for Domiciliary Visits Policy template | Practice policy. Updated April 2024 – changes related to hand rubs, and addition of version record |
| Occupational Exposure Management, including Sharps, Policy template | The practice policy on needlestick and other inoculation injuries with related procedure. |
| Personal Protective Equipment template | The practice policy on all aspects of PPE including for infection control and decontamination. |
| Procurement of Infection Control and Decontamination Items Policy template | Practice policy Updated April 2024 – changes related to hand rubs, references to NIPCM and addition of version record |
| Waste Management Policy template | The practice policy on all aspects of waste management including for infection control and decontamination. |
| Decontamination Agreement template | Example of an agreement that can be sent to dental laboratories or equipment suppliers as a blanket statement of how items have been decontaminated. |
|
Record-keeping |
|
| Ultrasonic Cleaner Test Record template | A form to record the details of daily housekeeping and weekly testing of an ultrasonic cleaner for a period of up to five weeks. |
| Washer Disinfector Test Record template | A form to record the details of daily maintenance and tests and weekly testing of a washer disinfector for a period of up to five weeks. |
| Non-vacuum Type N Sterilizer Test Record template | A form to record the details of daily tests and weekly safety checks of a non-vacuum sterilizer for a period of up to five weeks. |
| Vacuum Type B Sterilizer Test Record template | A form to record the details of daily tests and weekly safety checks of a vacuum sterilizer for a period of up to five weeks. |
| Cleaning Schedule and Records template | Example schedule illustrating the detail required and how to record completion. |
|
Risk Control |
|
| Health & Safety Risk Assessment template | A form to complete when conducting a health and safety risk assessment. Includes main areas of risk and some examples as guidance. |
| COSHH Risk Assessment template | A form to complete when conducting a COSHH risk assessment. Includes some examples as guidance. |
| Continuity Planning Tool template | A form to assist in writing a contingency plan for major incidents in the practice that might affect provision of patient care. |
| Decontamination Process Failures Planning Tool template |
A form to assist in the writing of a contingency plan. Includes a log for recording equipment faults and actions taken. |
|
Staff and Training |
|
| Staff Decontamination Training, LDU Roles & Responsibilities template | A summary of staff training requirements, roles and responsibilities. Includes a form for recording the external or practice personnel that carry out each role for the practice. Updated April 2024 - changes to align with personnel descriptions in SHTM 01-05 and addition of version record |
| New Staff Induction Checklist template | A checklist for staff induction and training that includes decontamination training requirements. Updated April 2024 - minor addition to LDU section only and addition of version record |
| Example Job Description Including LDU Duties template | An example Job Description that includes items to include for staff with LDU responsibilities. |
| Staff Decontamination CPD Checklist template | A checklist to record the status of specific aspects of decontamination training for a staff member. |