Dental practices and other healthcare services need to sterilise their surgeries after each patient due to the risk of infection. A method of speeding up this process was developed by scientists at Swansea University Medical School’s Healthcare Technology Centre in collaboration with Cambria Dental Practice.

Some dental practices product tiny droplets from patients breath (aerosols) which are possible sources of infection. Because urgent procedures couldn’t be delayed, it was crucial to develop sterilisation practices to stop transmission of diseases like COVID-19.

The Healthcare Technology Centre proudly supported Swansea-based Cambria Dental Practice to develop new ways of using ultraviolet (UV) light to sterilise consulting rooms, ensuring the safety of both patients and staff.

This simple, cost-effective solution helped to increased the number of patients that could be treated. It also meant a relaxation of guidelines and the practice could allow non-urgent dental procedures.

There is potential for this method to be used in other healthcare settings such as GP surgeries, and even in schools.

This collaboration is on display at the Oriel Science Exhibition in Swansea’s City Centre. The venue is free and open on Saturdays and Sundays 10am-4pm. Alternatively you can take a virtual tour of the exhibition from the comfort of home.