At Toowong Orthodontics, the health and wellbeing of our patients and team is always our top priority. One of the most important ways we ensure this is through strict infection control practices and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety throughout our clinic. Additionally, to the various procedures and policies we have in our clinic, we are proudly an accredited dental practice. This means our systems, policies, and procedures have been independently assessed to meet the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. As a practice we choose to continue to keep our accreditation current, by meeting specific standards for each accreditation cycle as set out by the accreditation provider. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to providing care in a safe environment and gives our patients confidence that every visit is backed by best-practice protocols.
What Infection Control Means in Our Practice
The purpose of infection control and prevention is to minimise and prevent the transmission of disease-producing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, between and/or from patients, staff members and dental practitioners. Infection prevention and control measures are upheld to limit or control the various factors that can influence the transmission of infection or contribute to the spread of the microorganisms. At Toowong Orthodontics we follow and perform standard precautions, including hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). We undertake a high level of environmental cleaning, disinfection, and correct waste disposal categorisation to prevent blood and body fluid exposures.
Through continuous risk management, record documentation, education, and training we ensure that every step of your orthodontic journey with us is designed with safety in mind.
- Sterilisation – All instruments are cleaned and sterilised according to the Australian Standard (AS 5369:2023) and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) Guidelines.
- Single use items – Wherever possible, we use single-use materials to minimise any risk of cross-contamination.
- Environmental Cleaning – Our clinical areas are cleaned and disinfected between every patient.
- Protective equipment – Our orthodontists and clinical team wear gloves, masks, and protective eyewear to ensure the highest level of safety for both patients and staff.
- Ongoing training – Our team participates in regular infection control training to stay up to date with the latest standards and requirements. Including attending the ADAQ Infection Control Update Day presented by Professor Laurence Walsh.
- Hand Hygiene – We use both hand wash and alcohol based hand rub approved by the TGA as appropriate and undertake continuing training for all team members at least annually via the National Hand Hygiene Initiative.
Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation is a voluntary process, and not all practices choose to undertake it. At Toowong Orthodontics, we believe that going above and beyond is essential when it comes to patient care and safety. By achieving and maintaining accreditation, we ensure that our systems are independently reviewed and meet national benchmarks.
This is our way of showing our patients that when you come to see us, you can feel confident knowing your health and safety are in the best hands.
✅ Your safety, comfort, and confidence matter to us. At Toowong Orthodontics, our commitment to infection control and accreditation reflects the trust our patients place in us every day.
Resources
Australian Dental Association. (2024). Guidelines for infection prevention and control (5th ed.). https://adawa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ADA_Guidelines_Infection_Control_Guidelines_5th_members-version.pdf
National Health and Medical Research Council & Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2019). Australian guidelines for the prevention and control of infection in healthcare (CD34) [Guideline]. Commonwealth of Australia. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-09/australian_guidelines_for_the_prevention_and_control_of_infection_in_health_care_-_current_version_-_v11.13_19_september_2022.pdf
Standards Australia. (2023). Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and other devices in health and non-health related facilities (AS 5369:2023). Standards Australia.
