Infection control isn’t just about following protocols; it’s about creating an environment where every team member feels safe to speak up and contribute to the safety of the practice. Psychological safety—the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes—plays a crucial role in ensuring patient safety in dental settings.
Why Psychological Safety Matters
When team members feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to voice concerns about potential issues, share ideas for improvement, and work collaboratively to maintain high standards of care. This open communication is essential for identifying risks and preventing errors before they escalate into serious problems.
A psychologically safe environment encourages accountability and continuous improvement, both of which are vital in infection prevention. When everyone feels comfortable contributing to discussions about safety protocols and infection control measures, the entire team benefits, and so do your patients.
Lack of rigorous safety protocols in the dental practice can threaten the health of your patients and team, and also place the entire practice at risk. Watch Michelle's video on the CULTURE OF SAFETY to find out where to start and how to make it stick.
How to Foster Psychological Safety in the Dental Office
To create a culture of psychological safety, dental practices should focus on several key areas:
Encouraging Open Communication: Make it clear that every team member’s voice is valued and that raising concerns is a positive action that contributes to the overall safety of the practice.
Providing Constructive Feedback: Feedback should always be delivered professionally and constructively, focusing on improvement rather than blame.
Flattening Hierarchies: In a psychologically safe environment, there should be no perceived leaders or followers; everyone’s input is equally important.
Maintaining Fairness and Respect: Fairness is critical in maintaining trust and engagement. Perceived unfairness can lead to disengagement and silence, which can be dangerous in a medical setting.
Level Up Your Infection Prevention Practices
At Level Up Infection Prevention, we understand the importance of creating a safe and supportive work environment. Our Infection Control Guidebook provides comprehensive guidance on maintaining high standards of infection control, and our on-demand course, Beyond the Basics, offers in-depth training for Infection Control Coordinators. If you’re new to this area or looking to earn CE credit, our Jumpstart course is a great place to begin.
Creating a culture of psychological safety not only enhances team performance but also improves patient outcomes. By investing in your team’s psychological safety, you’re also investing in the health and safety of your patients.
Thank you to ADS for providing the webinar by Michael Williamson, JD, CHC, CCEP that inspired this blog post.
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