Ever since the Coronavirus pandemic, public awareness and fear of fast-spreading and dangerous infections are at an all-time high. Earlier this year, hantavirus, a group of zoonotic viruses that are normally carried by rodents, was featured prominently in the news due to multiple high-profile cases.[i]
The risk to the UK population was considered very low, but some patients may have held strong concerns.[ii] The same could be said of many potential future viruses. While top-level advice may change on a case-by-case basis, the clinical team can typically follow the same procedures to maintain patient safety.
Communicating how some of this is achieved may help put patients’ minds at ease, and foster a safer feeling within the practice. However, rather than bombarding patients with clinical information, it’s important to achieve this in more natural ways.
Open up discussions
Where appropriate, opening up discussions with concerned patients may be ideal. This could be at the reception desk, during appointments, or even online. People could submit questions for a team member to answer, helping alleviate concerns that may otherwise prevent individuals from attending the practice.
The use of social media may be the best way to reach these patients, as well as publishing on a practice website. By addressing concerns this way, the reassurance may reduce infection-related anxieties and mean patients are more likely to attend appointments, supporting their oral health.
If a patient has questions in person, it is important to address these calmly and honestly. Detailing infection control measures may put them at ease, but if a professional doesn’t have the knowledge around a non-dental-related virus, honesty is just as important. At the same time, using technical language may only reinforce such fears; speaking to patients in layman’s terms that they can understand is vital.
Sign-post throughout the practice
Patients will pick up on efforts being made within the practice, especially through signs and posters that encourage effective infection control. These can also be an aid to the dental team, as consistent reminders of good practice throughout the day.
Whether these are handwashing signage, clinical waste colour code reminders at point of use, or posters detailing PPE requirements, patients may find their presence reassuring.
A clean, organised dental practice
The first thing every patient will look for is a clean practice space, from entrance to dental chair. This may include helpful hand sanitiser stations at the entrance, inviting visitors to reduce the risk of infections being brought into the practice.
Other key elements of infection control will be covered through everyday workflows. This includes wearing PPE, such as face masks and clean gloves, and replacing tools after every use. As well as Autoclave systems for sterilising frequently used components to ensure patient-to-patient contamination is kept at a minimum.
However, one aspect of everyday proceedings that plays a key role is waste management. This includes in surgery rooms, where waste containers should be situated at the point of use, and in secure areas where larger quantities of waste are stored. The latter should be kept out of sight of patients, and the practice should ensure restricted access is in place.
Hantavirus is linked with rodents, and these pests are a problem that must be avoided. To avid attracting rats and mice waste containment areas must be kept clean, with regular inspection measures in place. In these areas, hand hygiene routines are particularly important. When disposing of waste items, any contaminants mustn’t be brought back into the practice.
Have confidence with Initial Medical
Initial Medical provides a comprehensive range of hand sanitiser solutions for dental practices, including manual and No-Touch dispensers and Wheelie Bin Sanitiser Station, all designed for clinical safety. These units feature integrated antimicrobial technology to inhibit bacterial growth on the dispenser surface. Using sealed, single-use pouches, they ensure total hygiene compliance and can be paired with 70% alcohol sanitiser in accordance with WHO guidelines.
Hand sanitiser stations from Initial Medical can also be placed throughout the dental practice for improved clinical team and patient safety.
Many of the unseen tasks of the dental team are vital for protecting patients from infection. Having confidence in the solutions in place throughout your practice is vital, and this will be noticed by patients attending their appointments.
To find out more, get in touch at 0808 304 7411 or visit the website today: www.initialmedical.co.uk
Author: Rebecca Waters – Head of Marketing, Initial Medical & Rentokil Specialist Hygiene
About Initial Medical
Initial Medical sets the standard in healthcare and infectious waste management in the UK, providing a reliable, effective, and fully compliant service built around customer needs and delivered by our highly trained local teams. We are ISO 9001:2015 accredited, with technology fully integrated into our operations, providing full traceability of service delivery, electronic waste documentation, and the best customer experience possible. We also offer innovative healthcare waste management services and infection control products, to help break the chain of transmission and prevent cross contamination.
Initial Medical are a company with a ‘World Class’ Health and Safety record, and ISO 45001:2018 accreditation. We are also accredited to ISO 14001:2015 environmental standards and pride ourselves on our sustainable approach with a focus on delivering eco-friendly products and operational solutions.
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[i] World Health Organisation, (2026). Hantavirus. (Online) Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hantavirus [Accessed July 2026]
[ii] UK Health Security Agency, (2026). What you need to know about the hantavirus outbreak linked to the Dutch cruise ship. (Online) Available at: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/12/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-hantavirus-outbreak-linked-to-the-dutch-cruise-ship/ [Accessed July 2026]
