What is an important aspect of infection control in dental practice?

Wearing gloves and masks during procedures is a crucial aspect of infection control in dental practice. This practice helps to create a barrier between the dental professional and the patient, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination and transmission of infectious agents. Gloves protect the hands from exposure to saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids during procedures, while masks help filter out respiratory droplets and bacteria that can be expelled during treatments.

Implementing this practice is part of a broader infection control protocol that includes proper sterilization and disinfection of instruments, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and following established guidelines from health authorities. In contrast, the other options present unsafe practices that could lead to increased infection risk. For example, performing treatments without sterilization undermines the entire purpose of preventing infection, as unsterilized equipment can harbor pathogens. Similarly, only disinfecting tools in visible areas neglects the importance of thorough cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces and instruments, while avoiding patient and staff education limits awareness and compliance with proper infection control measures.