It Might Sound Like a Sermon (Sorry!)

— But It’s Important

Author

Dr Rosemary Morgan
June 29, 2025

I know this might come across a bit like a sermon—so let me say this upfront: I don’t mean to preach.

But if you’re just starting out in practice, these are things that matter—and they don’t always get talked about clearly.

One of the biggest changes when you leave dental school is the level of responsibility you now carry.

Your responsibilities are:

  • To be professional

  • To  treat your patients well

  • To show leadership

  • To uphold clinical, legal, and ethical standards

Some of this you’ll already be familiar with—your duty to patients, for instance. But other responsibilities might only become real once you're out of the classroom and in the clinic.

Take infection control.

You will most likely be working in a large practice, a corporate setting, or a clinic that’s not your own. It’s easy to assume that someone else—usually the owner—is across it all.

But here’s the truth:
You are responsible for what happens in your room and beyond.

  • What you do

  • What you model

  • What you allow your DA to do

  • What happens in steri, how things are processed

 
But if something isn’t right in your room, you are just as accountable as the business owner.

It might seem nit-picky, but these are the expectations outlined by the Dental Board.

Here’s a quick self-check:

  • Have you read theDental Board’s infection control publications? Are you following them?

  • Does your practice have documented protocols, and do you have access to them?

  • Are there proper handwashing facilities and PPE (gloves, masks, eyewear)?

  • Are clean and dirty zones clearly defined?

  • Is the sterilising equipment validated, tested, and logged?

  • Are the correct tracking protocols in place?

  • Most importantly, is your knowledge up to date?

    Could a CPD refresher be helpful?


    When you’re at interview think about questions or things you can check or ask about these topics before you join the practice.

Setting the tone early matters.
Simple things make a big difference:

  • No one-handed glove removal to grab something from a drawer

  • No masks hanging from your neck

  • No transfer tweezers left lying around

    Think about how you would approach the senior DA/practice manager if needed and where you will get your information to back you up.

Here’s a couple of useful links

ADA Guidelines on Infection prevention and Control Fifth Edition- members only

And this is where being organised helps.
Knowing your procedures.
Planning your day.
Having what you need at hand.

It all helps reduce disruption—and sets you up for a calmer, more professional day and less risk of cross contamination in the room.

I promise I’ll give you a more entertaining story next week

Rosie

If you’re just starting your dental career and want a little help getting organised, feeling confident, and understanding what’s expected—
I created Start Smart just for that.

Inside, you’ll find:
✅ Templates and checklists
✅ Helpful links
✅ Practice-ready tools to support your first steps

Think of it as your launchpad to practice life—with fewer surprises and more support.

👉 Learn more about Start Smart here
(Insert your course link)

You don’t have to figure it all out alone

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