20th January 2025
What’s New With HTM 07-01?
An updated version of the Health Technical Memorandum (HTM 07-01) was released recently. It has brought new guidance on the safe and sustainable management of healthcare waste.
For dental practitioners, the changes go beyond technical details and have implications for the day-to-day operations, waste disposal processes, and sustainability efforts in dental practices across the UK. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about the latest version of HTM 07-01 and how it might affect your practice.
What Is HTM 07-01?
HTM 07-01 provides you with the key guidance points for managing healthcare waste in a way that prioritises safety, sustainability, and environmental compliance. It applies to all healthcare settings, including dental practitioners and clinics.
The updated memorandum has put a much stronger focus on reducing environmental impact through better waste management practices. It also clarifies how different types of waste should be classified and disposed of to align with current regulations.
For dental practitioners, staying compliant with the latest dental technology and waste management standards is both a regulatory requirement and a way to provide safe, responsible care to patients.
What Are the Key Changes in HTM 07-01?
A New Emphasis on Sustainability
One of the biggest updates in the new HTM 07-01 is its drive towards sustainability. The guidance encourages healthcare settings to reduce waste generation, recycle more, and choose environmentally friendly disposal methods whenever possible.
If you’re a dental practitioner, this might mean rethinking the materials and tools you use. Switching out single-use plastic items for reusable alternatives, for example, is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint without compromising on patient safety.
Certain items like gloves and needles will obviously remain as essential single-use items, but there are some areas where reusable options can be introduced.
Items like:
- Plastic mouthwash cups.
- Saliva ejectors.
- Aspirator tips.
- Three-in-one syringe tips.
These could theoretically all be swapped out for reusable alternatives, provided they can be properly sterilised between uses. The goal is to balance infection control with sustainable practices.
Thinking about digital solutions is another way that you can make your practice more sustainable. Adopting digital radiography can eliminate the need for chemicals used in traditional film processing, reducing hazardous waste.
We Have Seen Some Changes to Waste Segregation, too.
Waste classification has seen a big update in HTM 07-01. Dental practitioners no longer need to treat all waste as infectious or hazardous; the situation has become more nuanced.
According to the new guidance:
- Waste from patients without known infections can be classified as offensive waste.
- Offensive waste should be placed in yellow and black ‘tiger stripe’ bags and disposed of separately from clinical waste.
- Extracted teeth without amalgam are now considered offensive waste rather than hazardous waste.
The aim of these changes is to simplify waste disposal processes, which can lead to cost savings for dental practices. That said, it’s essential to train your team on these updated classifications to ensure compliance.
What Does This Mean for Dental Practices?
There Are Some Practical Changes for Your Team
The new waste classifications and disposal methods mean that dental teams need to adjust their protocols. Staff will need training on recognising the different types of waste and ensuring they’re confident using the correct disposal methods.
A good way to do this is with really clear, easy-to-follow guidance for your team. This can reduce confusion and make sure your practice complies with the latest regulations. Remember, everyone approaches these situations from different knowledge standpoints, so checking that the information is understandable and accessible is important.
Investing in Reusable Dental Technology is a Good Option
Making the switch to reusable items might require some initial investment. Practices might need to purchase sterilisation equipment or upgrade their dental technology to ensure compliance with HTM 07-01.
This might mean an initial outlay – unless you work with a supplier with flexible finance – but the long-term savings and environmental benefits make it an investment that’s definitely worthwhile. Reusable items are more cost-effective over time.
Above: W&H Washer Disinfector
Dental Practitioners Need to Meet Environmental Targets
The updated HTM 07-01 sets clear targets for waste disposal:
- 20% of waste should go to incineration.
- 60% of waste should be classified as offensive waste.
- Only 4% needs to be hazardous clinical waste.
Hitting these targets will mean thoughtful waste segregation and a commitment to sustainable practices. But the practices go beyond this – by improving your waste management processes, you’ll contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system, and your practice will tread more lightly when it comes to your carbon footprint.
Looking to Stay Compliant with HTM 07-01?
At Curran Dental. We’re here to help your practice stay compliant with all of the latest regulations. We offer a range of services to support your dental practice design, equipment supply, and maintenance needs.
Our team can work with you to find the best solutions for integrating sustainable dental technology into your practice. Every aspect of our service is designed to make compliance simple and stress-free.
So, if you’re looking for expert advice and practical support, get in touch with us today. Let’s make your dental practice both compliant and sustainable.
FAQs
What is offensive waste?
Offensive waste is non-infectious healthcare waste that doesn’t pose a biological, chemical, or physical hazard. Examples might include PPE and non-infections such as patient waste.
Do dental practices need to use reusable items?
While this isn’t mandatory, the updated HTM 07-01 encourages dental practices to switch to reusable items – where safe – to reduce environmental impact.
Are all extracted teeth hazardous waste?
No. Extracted teeth without amalgam are now classified as offensive waste under HTM 07-01.
Why are digital solutions good in dentistry?
Digital solutions reduce the need for hazardous materials and generate less waste, which makes them a more sustainable option and more efficient.
