Job Description

Description

: The Infection Control Manager is responsible for ensuring that the dental practice meets all legal, regulatory, and best-practice standards for infection prevention and control (IPC). This includes compliance with CQC regulations, Health & Social Care Act 2008 (Code of Practice), and HTM 01-05 (Decontamination in Primary Care Dental Practices). The post holder leads IPC processes, oversees decontamination, conducts audits, and provides training to ensure patient and staff safety.Key Responsibilities:

1.

Infection Prevention

:Oversee all aspects of infection prevention and control within the practice.Maintain and update the practice's Infection Control Policy and supporting protocols.Act as the main point of contact for IPC queries from staff, inspectors, and external bodies.Support the Practice Manager in ensuring ongoing CQC compliance.

2.

Decontamination & Sterilisation Oversigh

t:Ensure full compliance with HTM 01-05 guidance.Oversee instrument decontamination, including cleaning, inspection, sterilisation, and storage.Ensure correct use, validation, and maintenance of autoclaves and washer-disinfectors.Conduct daily/weekly/monthly checks (e.g., logbooks, sterilisation cycles, testing procedures).

3.

Audit, Monitoring & Documentation

:Perform regular IPC audits (hand hygiene, PPE use, environmental cleaning, sharps safety).Maintain accurate records for CQC inspections.Ensure all IPC paperwork is up to date, including risk assessments, cleaning schedules, and staff immunisation records.Lead incident investigations relating to infection control breaches.

4.

Staff Training & Competency

:Provide induction and ongoing IPC training for all dental staff.Ensure staff follow correct procedures for PPE, waste handling, hand hygiene, and cross-infection control.Keep training logs and competency records for each team member.

5.

Environmental & Clinical Safety

:Oversee waste management in line with HTM 01-05 and local clinical waste contracts.Ensure proper management of dental unit waterlines (DUWLs), including flushing, treatment, and testing.Monitor compliance with sharps safety and exposure incident protocols.Ensure the practice environment meets infection-control and CQC cleanliness standards.

6.

Risk Assessment & Compliance

:Carry out annual and ad-hoc infection control risk assessments.Ensure the practice meets all obligations under:CQC Fundamental StandardsHealth & Social Care Act 2008Implement corrective action plans following audits or inspections.
Essential Qualifications & Experience:Clinical background.Experience working in a dental practice.Strong understanding of CQC compliance and quality standards.Desirable:Additional IPC certification or training (e.g., Infection Control Lead courses).Experience leading audits or quality improvement projects.Experience training or mentoring staff.Key Skills:Strong attention to detail.Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills.Ability to lead staff and implement change.Good communication skills with clinical and non-clinical staff.Confidence working with regulators (CQC) during inspections.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

:Clinical background.Experience working in a dental practice.Strong understanding of CQC compliance and quality standards.

Desirable

:Additional IPC certification or training (e.g., Infection Control Lead courses).Experience leading audits or quality improvement projects.Experience training or mentoring staff.Key Skills:Strong attention to detail.Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills.Ability to lead staff and implement change.Good communication skills with clinical and non-clinical staff.Confidence working with regulators (CQC) during inspections.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: 30,000.00-32,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Work Location: In person