Infection control has always been a cornerstone of safe and effective dental care.
Hygiene expectations are, quite rightly, higher than ever with patient awareness and anxiety far higher than in pre-pandemic times. In the UK, dental practices are taking the opportunity to integrate smart design and touch-free technology when undertaking refurbishment, new build or extension projects. A dental build project presents the ideal chance to minimise contamination risks and provide maximum protection for both patients and staff.
Why Smart Design Matters
Traditional dental environments are filled with high-touch surfaces: door handles, taps, light switches, and even payment terminals. Each of these presents an opportunity for cross-contamination. Smart design aims to eliminate these risks by creating a seamless, hands-free experience throughout the practice.
Touch-Free Technology: The New Standard
Modern dental practices are increasingly adopting touch-free solutions that not only enhance hygiene but also improve workflow and patient comfort.
At Excel Building Contractors we work hand in hand (forgive the pun!) with dentists and contractors to ensure touch-free technology is incorporated into projects from the earliest design stage.
Here are some of the most impactful innovations at our fingertips:
1. Automatic Doors and Entry Systems
Hands-free entry using motion sensors or keycard access reduces the need to touch door handles, especially in high-traffic areas like reception and waiting rooms.
2. Sensor-Activated Taps and Soap Dispensers
In clinical and public washrooms, sensor-based taps and dispensers eliminate the need for physical contact, helping maintain hand hygiene without recontaminating hands post-wash.
3. Voice-Activated or Foot-Controlled Equipment
Dental chairs, lights, and suction systems can now be operated via voice commands or foot pedals, allowing clinicians to maintain sterility during procedures.
4. Contactless Check-In and Payments
Digital kiosks, mobile apps, and contactless card readers streamline the patient journey while reducing shared touchpoints at reception.
5. Smart Lighting and Climate Control
Automated lighting and temperature systems reduce the need for manual switches, contributing to a cleaner, more efficient environment.
Benefits Beyond Infection Control
While the primary goal is to reduce contamination, smart design also brings additional advantages:
- Improved patient confidence: A visibly hygienic, tech-forward practice reassures patients about their safety.
- Enhanced staff efficiency: Less time spent on cleaning and manual adjustments means more time for patient care.
- Sustainability: Many touch-free systems are energy-efficient and reduce water waste, supporting eco-friendly practice goals.
Designing for the Future
Infection control is no longer just about PPE and sterilisation protocols. It’s about creating an environment that actively prevents the spread of pathogens. By investing in smart design and touch-free technology, UK dental practices can lead the way in safety, innovation, and patient care.
Day in, day out at Excel Building Contractors we’re working on dental practice projects, keeping abreast with the latest technology and workflows to minimise contamination risk. So, if you’re thinking of upgrading or extending an existing practice or embarking on a new build squat practice project give us a call for an initial, no obligation chat.
We’d love to hear from you.
Call us on 020 8820 0853, email us here or use the contact form on our web page and we’ll be right back in touch.