Which practice helps to prevent cross-contamination in dentistry?

Hand hygiene is a vital practice in preventing cross-contamination in dental settings. Proper hand hygiene involves thorough washing of hands with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers to eliminate pathogens that can be transferred from one patient to another. Dental professionals encounter various microorganisms during procedures, and maintaining clean hands minimizes the risk of transmitting infections between patients and staff. Effective hand hygiene is part of standard precautions in infection control measures and is essential for ensuring patient safety and maintaining a sterile environment.

Using old equipment, patient self-cleaning, and sharing instruments between patients all pose significant risks for cross-contamination. Old equipment may harbor pathogens, while self-cleaning does not guarantee that patients can remove all contaminants. Sharing instruments without proper sterilization between patients raises the likelihood of transferring bacteria and viruses, making hand hygiene a critical component in safeguarding against these risks.