Caring and professional

Dental Board of NSW – Inspector Report 12 September 2006

"This would be one of the best surgery set-ups I have seen for some time, it was certainly a pleasure to be able to inspect it."

"This surgery is situated in a purpose built building designed for the practice of dentistry and consists of three surgeries one of which is dedicated to the practice of implant surgery.

I entered the waiting room and Dr. Ritchie was at the reception desk. I showed him my credentials and presented my calling card and informed him that I was in the area and wished to inspect the surgery in relation to infection control procedures as required by the Dental Regulations.

As Dr. Ritchie has qualifications in relation to implant dentistry before I commenced my inspection he asked me if I would like to see computer records and photographs of some of his cases.
I said I would be interested to see these so we went into a surgery where he had cases on a computer for the purpose of showing patients who showed interest in having implants.

When we had finished this I commenced my infection control inspection. All aspects of surgery cleanliness i.e. spittoon etc were as required by the Dental Regulations.

There was an adequate supply of gloves and masks and protective eye wear was available for patients and staff if required.

Sharps disposal is being carried out as required by Schedule 5 Infection Control Standards Part 2 Section 7 of the Dental Regulations.

In the sterilising area there was an ultrasonic cleaner.

All necessary instruments and handpieces are bagged prior to autoclaving.

Correct testing of autoclave cycles is being performed and records are being kept.

Contaminated waste is disposed of as required by the Local Authorities. Gowns and aprons as required by Schedule 5 Part 2 Paragraph 4 of the Infection Control Standards of the Dental Regulations are being worn.

Patient records are being kept correctly.

This would be one of the best surgery set-ups I have seen for some time, it was certainly a pleasure to be able to inspect it."

M. David Murphy
Inspector
Dental Board of NSW