Which legislation primarily governs infection control in dental practice?

The legislation that primarily governs infection control in dental practice encompasses both the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 sets the overarching legal framework for workplace safety, ensuring that employers take necessary measures to protect the health and safety of employees and others who may be impacted by their operations. This act establishes the general duties of employers toward managing risks in the workplace, including those related to infection control in healthcare settings, such as dental practices.

On the other hand, the COSHH Regulations specifically address the management of hazardous substances, which is directly relevant to infection control. These regulations require dental practices to assess risks associated with biological agents (such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens) and to implement appropriate control measures to minimize exposure and protect staff and patients.

Together, these two pieces of legislation create a comprehensive framework that dental practices must follow to ensure effective infection control, making the combination of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and COSHH Regulations the primary governing legislation in this context.