Preventing Cross-Contamination: Top PPE & Infection Control Upgrades Your Practice Needs

Infection control is the foundation of patient safety and professional integrity in dentistry. Without the right safeguards in place, even routine procedures can become opportunities for cross-contamination. That’s why managing hygiene in dental practices goes far beyond simple cleaning. It requires a layered approach built on the right personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilisation protocols and surface protection tools.

By preventing cross-contamination in dental practices, clinicians protect their patients’ health and uphold the reputation and operational efficiency of their practice. In this article, we’ll explore the essential PPE and infection control upgrades your clinic needs today.

Barrier protection

Gloves, masks and shields for safety

The first line of defence in any dental setting is effective barrier protection. High-quality PPE reduces exposure to pathogens and provides confidence for clinicians and patients during every procedure. Together, the following essentials create a strong foundation for managing infections at the dental practice level:

• Nitrile powder-free gloves — Chemical resistant and latex-free, these gloves deliver strength and flexibility, making them ideal for staff and patients with sensitivities.
• Latex powder-free gloves — Offering superior elasticity and tactile sensitivity, these gloves deliver a precise “second-skin” fit, ideal for delicate dental procedures that require fine instrument control.
• Level 2 face masks — With 99.9% bacterial and 99.7% viral filtration efficiency, plus fluid resistance to 120 mm Hg, these masks offer reliable protection against droplets and aerosols.
• Full face shield — Lightweight, disposable and compatible with eyewear or loupes, these shields provide splash protection while maintaining clear visibility.

Keeping the clinical environment clean

Disinfectants, bibs and towels

While PPE protects clinicians and patients directly, maintaining a clean clinical environment is equally important for preventing cross-contamination. High-touch surfaces, treatment areas and patient zones must be managed with reliable infection control products that keep pathogens at bay:

• Disposable dental bibs — Absorbent with a fluid-resistant backing, these bibs prevent contamination from splashes and debris during treatment.
• Hospital-grade disinfectants, wipes and towels — Fast-acting and broad-spectrum, these solutions decontaminate chairs, counters and other high-touch surfaces between patients.
• Foaming soaps and alcohol-based sanitisers — Essential for hand hygiene, these products support frequent cleansing throughout the day to reduce transmission risks.

Sterilisation and instrument protection

Of course, ensuring every instrument is properly sterilised is a critical step in managing infections at a dental practice. Effective sterilisation eliminates harmful microorganisms and supports compliance with stringent infection control standards. The right tools streamline this process and provide traceability for added assurance:

• Sterilisation equipment and autoclaves — Bench-top autoclaves and related systems ensure reliable, high-temperature sterilisation cycles that destroy bacteria, viruses and spores. Modern units improve efficiency with faster turnaround times, helping practices maintain smooth patient flow.
• Steri pouches — Featuring internal and external indicators, these pouches confirm successful sterilisation while maintaining integrity until use. The durable, fluid-resistant paper and sealed design protect instruments during storage and handling.
• Tracking and documentation aids — Many steri pouch designs include record-keeping strips, supporting compliance by providing a clear sterilisation history for instruments.

Creating a comprehensive infection control strategy

Taken together, barrier PPE, environmental cleaning and reliable sterilisation form a layered defence that goes beyond compliance; it builds a culture of safety within the practice. Each element reinforces the other: gloves and masks protect staff during procedures, disinfectants and bibs stop pathogens from spreading in the operatory, while sterilisation tools ensure instruments are consistently safe to use.

By approaching infection control as an integrated system rather than isolated tasks, practices can reduce risks, streamline daily workflows and reassure patients that their wellbeing is always the top priority. This holistic strategy is the most effective way of managing hygiene in your dental practice and ensures cross-contamination risks are minimised at every stage of care.

Upgrade your practice with Erskine Dental

Preventing cross-contamination in dental practice is all about having protocols in place and equipping your team with the very best tools to carry them out. At Erskine Dental, we’ve been supporting clinics across Australia for over 30 years, supplying PPE and infection control solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, reliability and performance.

Our range includes globally respected brands and innovative in-house products designed to give clinicians confidence that every layer of protection is backed by proven quality. From masks and nitrile gloves to hospital-grade disinfectants and steri pouches, every product we stock is selected to ensure your practice complies with industry requirements and delivers exceptional care to every patient.

When you partner with Erskine Dental, you're choosing more than just supplies — you're choosing expertise, trust and a commitment to helping your practice thrive. Explore our full infection control collection, or contact us today for tailored advice on the top PPE and infection control upgrades your practice needs.