Safeguarding September with TDA - 10 Key pointers in recruitment.

September is all about Safeguarding and what you need to stay compliant. Need some answers? Email us a question and we'll answer... easy

In the meantime, take a moment to consider these key pointers in the safeguarding policy and procedures consistent in your practice.


1) Does your recruitment policy state you will be consistent and transparent? Ensure staff are judged competent before selection. 

2) Involve more than one person when shortlisting applicants for interview, and at least 2 people conducting a face 2 face interview. 

3) Have you ever considered safeguarding your practice when writing a job advert? Central to this is attracting high quality candidates.

4) Advertise employment posts through selected media to attract high quality applicants from diverse backgrounds. 'Retain your staff'

5) When writing a job advert, make sure to add a CRB check is required to safeguard children and adults within your business. 

6) Safeguard your practice when recruiting. Ensure new staff follow a consistent and thorough induction procedure BEFORE taking on tasks.

7) Keep you business safeguarded, attract the best candidates to set a high quality staff benchmark to use for future applicants. Recruitment systems = Less stress, more time and a business moving forward together.

8) Be sure to use an approved recruitment interview score sheet when interviewing candidates. 'SYSTEMS'

9) It's important to TEST the systems you use to evaluate the effectiveness. Use a training feedback form when conducting inductions.

10) Be sure to use a high quality recruitment space when trying to attract good quality candidates. We recommend www.dentalangels.co.uk

www.t-da.co.uk 

What is the cost of integrity and what does this mean for your business?

What is the cost of integrity? This is a deep personal question we must all face up to at times of challenge and at moments when we look within ourselves and ask 'what's the right thing to do?'

So often in the dental practice, suspicions and accusations fly between staff, most just hearsay. But here's a thought, afterall as business owners, do we really know what goes on outside the walls of the treatment room?

You may say: 'well my takings balance at the end of the day, and my bank account looks good, why would I worry?'

A report came to light recently where a trusted, longstanding member of staff was found to have fraudulently taken £6,000 from a well-established West End practice.

Another, a trusted and well respected colleague siphoned £60,000 over the period of a number of years from a dental practice in Kent.

Unfortunately these are just a few examples of the small cost of a persons integrity. So many business owners are still unaware of the details of incoming and outgoings within the practice.

We must safeguard our business so that there are no 'blind spots' to be taken advantage of. Especially as most dental practices are computerized it is paramount you have the systems and policies in place to protect your assets.

Do you have ONE high end user implementation on your dental software?

All patient accounts, including refunds can only be handled by a high end user. Thus meaning any accounting mistakes made by staff will become evident when performing the end of day report. The high end user will then be able to investigate the reasons behind any evident errors. A nominated high end user should be a person whom is trusted, perhaps the practice manager.

Monthly accounting reviews of petty cash sundries?

Most dental practices have a petty cash system for buying sundries for the dental practice. You may notice on your accounts the monies going into the petty cash but how often do you check the balance tallies with what is going out? I know we may only be talking small monetary value but imagine over a long period how much you could loose. Any amount is a mistrust of the trust you put into your staff hands.

Talking about theft is never an easy subject to bring to light but is one we must come to terms with because it is happening all around us. Our loyal staff should feel that there is no room for accusation and for those who may be tempted to be disloyal, with careful systems and policies implemented and maintained consistently, you can rest assured your business,staff and patients are safe from the nightmare of fraud.

If you are interested in becoming involved in our upcoming complimentary Q and A workshop, our highly professional consultants will be on hand to help you safeguard your business from the threat of theft.

for more details please contact us sharon@t-da.co.uk we understand your case may require more urgency and discretion. Please feel free to contact 07780 664 145 for impartial, confidential advice.

Skype Seminar 30th August 7pm

Can you afford not toread this? https://www.dropbox.com/s/cggz2lgwoido6ny/TDA%20Skype%20seminar.pdf

Training Development  Academy willbe celebrating the summerwitha complimentary Skype seminar thisAugust…

Building a power teamthrough effective communication with Sharon  Martin.

This seminar is perfectfor all DCP’s seeking self improvement.Or a team who wants tomove forward in the right direction.

Fromthe patient lounge to the treatmentpresentation, from thetelephone enquiry to thetreatment room. Use every oppourtunityconsistenlyto maximise your potential forprofitability.Whatcan you expect?

We will be showing you theskills which will benefit your practice. Perhapsyourteam spirit is delpeted? You want to convert your new patient enquiresintoproductive scheduled appointments? Perhaps the practice needs to berefocusedon it’s goal?

Sharon will be discussinghow effective communication when performendsystematicallywill build a power team heading for success.If you want to be part of it, email us your Skype contactname @ chantelle@t-da.co.ukYou will then receive a detailed agenda of the  seminar.

How to test your Benchtop Steriliser...

Below is the HTM01-05 Periodic Test Schedule for Benchtop Sterilisers that should be followed if manufacturer or PCT recommendations are not available.


It is a generic schedule created from the methods within the various legislative guidelines used to create HTM01-05.





HTM01-05 Periodic Testing & Validation Schedule for Benchtop Sterilisers


Daily Requirements


Daily Control Test
What is it?
This is an observational test that records the operation of the machine and demonstrates that the process is repeatable by compairing the results against previous tests. The observer should note the length of the cycle along with the temperatures and pressure reached using the machines own display. A successful test should demonstrate that correct temperatures as stated in the machines own manual are being reached, that the door cannot be opened during the cycle if the machine has a lid, and that a ‘Cycle Complete’ indication is provided.


Steam Penetration Test
What is it?
Only required for vacuum sterilizers (Type S & Type B), the test demonstrates the machines ability to remove all air from the chamber before applying steam to the load. If air is present in the chamber this will form pockets and prevent steam from contacting parts of the load.






Weekly Requirements


Air Leakage Test
What is it?
This test proves that the machine will fail a cycle if a leak is detected. Many modern machines are able to perform this test at the push of a button and if this is the case the results should be recorded. Older machines require a leak to be induced manually and this can only be performed by a qualified validation engineer due to the dangers involved in altering a high pressure vessel. If an engineer is required then the test must be performed quarterly during the CPD Engineer Validation.




Quarterly Requirements


CPD Engineer Validation
What is it?
Not to be confused with a machine service. A machine validation proves that the machine is performing as dictated in HTM01-05 and creates a ‘snapshot’ of machine performance. The proceedure should be carried out by a qualified validation engineer. HTM guidelines require that four performance validation ‘snapshots’ are required during an annual period as this procedure is more likely to identify any problems with the machines performance. A validation report should be issued by the engineer after each proceedure for filing with the machines records as evidence of machine performance.


Annual Requirements


Repeat all Quarterly Requirements
What is it?
Annual tests are a repeat of all quarterly requirements.
HTM01-05 states that manufacturer guidelines should take precedent over the schedule listed above and should be sought out to ensure that any machine specific testing and validation requirements are being carried out.


For information about the TDA CQC analysis, implementation and overview contact us and receive 10% off services when booked in August.


Revive compliance in your dental practice and get back the time you need to do what a dental practice should do. Dentistry!


sharon@t-da.co.uk
www.t-da.co.uk

HTM01-05 Periodic Test Schedule for Ultrasonic Cleaners

Ultrasonic Cleaner
Below is the HTM01-05 Periodic Test Schedule for Ultrasonic Cleaners that should be followed if manufacturer or PCT recommendations are not available.


It is a generic schedule created from the methods within the various legislative guidelines used to create HTM01-05.





HTM01-05 Periodic Testing & Validation Schedule for Ultrasonic Cleaners


Daily Requirements:
Clean Filters
What is it? House keeping as instructed by the machine manual.


Cleaning Efficacy Visual Check
What is it? This is a visual inspection of a processed load to check that there are no signs of soiling or staining. No test products are required, however a record must be kept of each inspection as evidence.




Weekly Requirements
Safety Checks
What is it? Tasks as instructed by the machine manual to ensure safe operation.


Protein Residue Test
What is it? This is a chemical test to detect levels of protein on a processed load that cannot be seen by visual inspection. A Protein Detection Method is required to perform this test. Take an instrument from a processed load and test using the preferred protein detection method. For test procedure refer to the instructions provided with the testing product.




Quarterly Requirements
Automatic Control Test
What is it? This is an observational test that records the operation of the machine and demonstrates that the process is repeatable by compairing the results against previous tests. The observer should note the length of the cycle along with the temperatures reached using the machines own display. A successful test should demonstrate that correct temperatures as stated in the machines own manual are being reached, that the door cannot be opened during the cycle if the machine has a lid, and that a ‘Cycle Complete’ indication is provided.


Cleaning Efficacy Test
What is it? This test presents a difficult cleaning challenge to the machine and the ability to clean a heavily soiled load. A Test Soil and a Protein Detection Method are both required to perform this test. There are two parts to the test. Firstly, place the test soil into the machine and run a cycle. When the cycle is complete visually check the test soil for any signs of soiling or staining and record the result. Secondly, using the same Protein Dectection method as the weekly Protein Residue Test, chemically check to make sure that no soil remains and record the result.




Ultrasonic Activity Test
What is it? Not to be confused with the Cleaning Efficacy test, this test checks to make sure that the transducers beneath the bath are working correctly and that instruments are being processed correctly no matter where they are placed within the tank. Commonly known as the ‘Foil Test’ or ‘Foil Ablation Test’. Strips of foil are suspended evenly in the bath in a 3×3 grid. After a cycle has been performed the cavitations will have formed an erosion pattern on the foil. A successful test will have all nine foil strips showing approximately the same erosion pattern, proving that cavitations are evenly spread throughout the bath.


CP(D) Engineer Validation
What is it? Not to be confused with a machine service. A machine validation proves that the machine is performing as dictated in HTM01-05 and creates a ‘snapshot’ of machine performance. The proceedure should be carried out by a qualified validation engineer. HTM guidelines require that four performance validation ‘snapshots’ are required during an annual period as this procedure is more likely to identify any problems with the machines performance. A validation report should be issued by the engineer after each proceedure for filing with the machines records as evidence of machine performance.


Annual Requirements


Repeat all Quarterly Requirements
What is it? Annual tests are a repeat of all quarterly requirements.
HTM01-05 states that manufacturer guidelines should take precedent over the schedule listed above and should be sought out to ensure that any machine specific testing and validation requirements are being carried out


Ask us about cqc analysis, implementation and overview for your practice.


Book in August and get 10% reduction on services.


www.t-da.co.uk


sharon@t-da.co.uk

Safeguarding Guidance

Child protection procedures and systems

Procedures and systems provide clear step-by-step guidance on what to do in different circumstances and they clarify roles and responsibilities. Systems for recording information and dealing with complaints are also needed to ensure implementation and compliance. Child protection procedures should be linked with the Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures.

The procedures and systems should include:

• A named person (and deputy) with a clearly defined role and responsibilities in relation to child protection, appropriate to the level at which s/he operates.
• A description of what child abuse is, and the procedures for how to respond to it where there are concerns about a child's safety or welfare or concerns about the actions of a, staff member. Relevant contact details for children's services, police, health and NSPCC helplines should be available.
• A process for recording incidents, concerns and referrals and storing these securely in compliance with relevant legislation and kept for a time specified by your insurance company.
• Guidance on confidentiality and information sharing, legislation compliant, and which clearly states that the protection of the child is the most important consideration.
• A code of behaviour for all staff. The consequences of breaching the code are clear and linked to disciplinary and grievance procedures.
• Safe recruitment, selection and vetting procedures that include checks into the eligibility and the suitability of all staff who have direct or indirect  contact with children. Whenever there is a legal entitlement to obtain a CRB check in respect of such member of staff, a check should be carried out. This goes beyond circumstances where the staff member comes into contact with children.
• A complaints procedure which is an open and well publicised way in which adults and children can voice concerns about unacceptable and/or abusive behaviour towards children.
• Systems to ensure that all staff  working with children are monitored and supervised and that they have opportunities to learn about child protection in accordance with their roles and responsibilities.
• Requirements for staff  to learn about child protection in accordance with and as appropriate to their roles and responsibilities.

It is important that each dental practice safeguarding policy and procedures are tailored to the type of contact that the organisation has with children and it also needs to take into account any particular vulnerabilities of the children with whom the charity has contact; for example disabled children who are at increased risk of abuse; babies and toddlers who are vulnerable due to their age and dependence on adults;

www.t-da.co.uk

The PATIENT JOURNEY

EXPECTATIONS IN RELATION TO REGAINING PT’S:

If you have met expectations patients tell O people

If you exceed expectations patients tell  3 people

If you don’t  meet expectations people tell 11

DID YOU KNOW?:

70% of Patients are Gained over the Phone?!

HOT POINTS WHEN USING THE TELEPHONE

vREMEMBER DATA PROTECTION

vNEVER ASK A PATIENT  IF THEY HAVE AN APPOINTMENT

vNEVER ASK A PATIENT IF THEY ARE REGISTERED

vALWAYS USE THE PATIENTS NAME DURING CALLS

vASK PERMISSION TO PUT THEM ON HOLD

vREMEMBER TO CALL PATIENTS BACK IF U SAY YOU WILL

For a complimentary chat about the patient journey and what it will do for your business drop us a line @ sharon@t-da.co.uk