What is the purpose of hand hygiene in a dental setting?

Hand hygiene in a dental setting is primarily aimed at preventing pathogen transmission. This is crucial because dental professionals are often in close contact with patients and exposed to blood, saliva, and other potentially infectious materials. By practicing proper hand hygiene, such as frequent handwashing or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, dental professionals significantly reduce the risk of transmitting infectious agents to themselves, their patients, and other staff members.

Infections can have serious implications for both patient safety and public health. Therefore, hand hygiene protocols are an essential part of infection control procedures in dentistry, designed to ensure a safe environment during dental treatments. By understanding the importance of this practice, dental professionals can contribute to overall healthcare quality and patient trust.