What does it mean to a Dental Surgery?

All dental premises are required to have a written water management scheme and a Legionella risk assessment for controlling any identified risks in accordance with the Health & Safety Executives Approved Code of Practice and Guidance document.

The HSE's ACoP L8 is  supported by the Department of Health’s guidance documents:

  • HTM 01-05: Decontamination in Primary Care Dental Practices.
  • HTM 04-01: The control of Legionella, hygiene, “safe” hot water, cold water and drinking water systems.

Compliance with HTM01-05 and HTM04-01 will satisfy the requirements of the HSE’s ACoP L8.

The main route of transmission of the legionella bacteria for dental staff and the patient is by inhalation of contaminated water droplets or aerosol generated by dental instruments such as the high speed hand piece or ultrasonic scaler.

Section 3 of the HTM 01-05 specifies all dental practices are required to perform a legionella risk assessment and water quality testing. The water quality testing needs to be performed by an UKAS accredited laboratory due to the technical nature required to obtain a reliable result.

A dental practice must also have a written water management scheme devised by a competent person. This document provides the dental team with a list of procedures and measures that need to be implemented to maintain the control of legionella.

We are pleased to be able to offer your Dental surgery a comprehensive service so that you can be sure that all your requirements are met.

To find out more about Hydro Clear Water Management Scheme for Dentists please contact : 

Steve Dillon by phone on  0778 756 1040 or by email steve@hydrotechservices.co.uk