GDC tells the profession to keep equipment up to date
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- Published: Monday, 20 June 2011 12:37
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| The British Dental Trade Association (BDTA) has reminded practices about a warning given by the General Dental Council (GDC) to keep equipment up to date. This follows disciplinary hearings involving complaints about failure to maintain equipment properly and failure to retain proper written evidence of maintenance and certification for use. |
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BDTA members sign up to a Code of Practice which requires that products offered for sale are supported by adequate stocks and technical information. In addition, suppliers must satisfy themselves that diagnostic aids, equipment repair facilities and spare parts will be available to support customers for the normal expected life of the product. This brings the advantages of minimizing surgery downtime and disruptions with appointments.
As a professional highly skilled with your hands there may be a temptation for you to try to do your own servicing and maintenance, but there is a legal responsibility for you to use equipment that is fit for purpose and properly maintained. Service engineers are highly trained specialists, with the correct testing equipment and tools – and proper liability insurance. In addition, all members of the team who use equipment must be trained and competent to do so.
Tony Reed, Executive Director at the BDTA, comments, “We are pleased to see that the GDC is alerting registrants to the need for equipment to be used properly and kept up to date. It is important to use companies who can provide the right level of service to minimise surgery downtime, and who have the backing of manufacturers so they can obtain spare parts.”
The GDC have been alerted to cases where single-use equipment, such as gloves and impression trays have been re-used and even instances where gloves are not used at all. The GDC’s Investigating Committee has also received complaints that documentation is not up to date, that X-ray tests and inspections are not taking place and required equipment such as a defibrillator is absent from the practice.
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