Computer Keyboards and HTM 01-05
Computer keyboards are now an integral part of most dental surgeries. They are also touched frequently during treatment and can be difficult to clean effectively because of the gaps and recesses surrounding individual keys.
For dental practices in England, this is specifically addressed by Health Technical Memorandum HTM 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices.
HTM 01-05 is NHS England guidance covering decontamination and infection-prevention procedures within primary care dental practices. The current NHS England publication page was last updated in January 2024.
What Does HTM 01-05 Say About Keyboards?
The guidance recognises that conventional computer keyboards can present cleaning difficulties in clinical areas. It provides for the use of keyboard covers or easy-clean waterproof keyboards as part of appropriate infection-control arrangements.
For many practices, fitting a removable protective cover to an existing keyboard can therefore be a considerably simpler and more economical solution than replacing every keyboard with a specialist waterproof model.
Why Precision Fit Matters
A loose universal keyboard cover may provide some protection, but it can compromise typing feel and may move during use.
SteriType keyboard covers are individually moulded to specific keyboard models. The thin polyurethane membrane follows the shape of the keys and remains fitted during normal use.
This provides several practical benefits in a dental environment:
- A substantially smoother surface for routine cleaning
- Protection of the gaps between keys from contamination and accidental spills
- Normal access to individual keys while the cover remains fitted
- Simple replacement when required
- No need to replace an otherwise serviceable keyboard.
Supporting Infection-Control Procedures
A keyboard cover should not be considered a replacement for an appropriate cleaning regime.
Instead, it changes a conventional keyboard from a complex surface containing numerous gaps and recesses into a much simpler surface that can be wiped routinely as part of the practice’s infection-prevention procedures.
SteriType covers also incorporate antimicrobial technology into the polyurethane material. This provides an additional feature alongside regular cleaning rather than replacing it.
A Practical Option for Existing Dental Workstations
Replacing every clinical keyboard with a specialist washable keyboard can involve significant cost, particularly for larger dental practices or groups.
A precision-fit cover allows practices to retain familiar keyboards and existing computer equipment while making their exposed surfaces considerably easier to manage from an infection-control perspective.
SteriType manufactures covers for hundreds of common Dell, HP, Lenovo, Cherry, Logitech and other keyboard models.
Need a cover for a dental surgery keyboard?