So, how can dental teams stay cool, comfortable and safe?
Working in a dental practice can be challenging during hot weather. PPE is essential for infection prevention, but it also traps heat and limits the body's ability to cool itself naturally. Along with busy clinics and limited breaks to step away from the surgery, it's easy to see why many dental professionals feel drained during a heatwave.
Although there isn't a legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK, employers still have a duty to ensure working conditions are safe and suitable. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provide guidance on managing workplace temperatures Temperature in the workplace: What the law says - HSE.
Simple ways to keep cool throughout the day
You don't always need air conditioning to make a difference. A few simple habits can help you stay comfortable
- Keep a water bottle nearby and drink little and often
- Use your breaks to cool down and rehydrate
- Close blinds where sunlight heats treatment rooms
- Improve airflow with suitable ventilation or fans
- Wear lightweight uniforms that still meet regulations
- If possible, rotate duties so no one spends the entire day in the warmest surgery
Signs of heat exhaustion
Heat-related illness can develop more quickly than many people realise, especially when you're focused on caring for patients. Watch out for symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Feeling unusually tired
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Feeling faint
This link provides information on how to help someone with heat exhaustion and when emergency treatment is needed Heat exhaustion and heatstroke - NHS.
How can we create a safe workplace?
To keep staff safe during hot weather, maintaining a safe clinical environment must be considered. Practice owners and managers can help by ensuring drinking water is always available, reviewing ventilation, allowing regular breaks and discussing any concerns raised by the team. Taking positive steps benefits both staff wellbeing and patient care.
The HSE also offers wider advice on employers' health and safety responsibilities, which can be found here Workplace health, safety and welfare - HSE.
A little self-care
Dental professionals spend every day looking after others, but it's equally important to look after yourself. Staying hydrated, recognising when you're overheating and supporting colleagues during particularly warm days can make a real difference.
Hot weather doesn't have to make the working day miserable. With planning and a few adjustments, dental teams can continue providing excellent patient care while keeping themselves healthy, comfortable and safe throughout the summer.