Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice to prevent infections in dental treatment areas?

The practice of washing hands only when visibly dirty is not recommended for preventing infections in dental treatment areas. In healthcare settings, including dental practices, hand hygiene is critical in reducing the risk of microbial transmission. The guidelines generally advise that hands should be washed or sanitized routinely, not solely based on visual cleanliness. This proactive approach helps to eliminate pathogens that might be present but not visible.

In contrast, wearing gloves, using sterilized instruments, and wearing masks are all standard infection control practices designed to create a barrier against the spread of infection. Gloves help prevent direct contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials, while sterilized instruments ensure that all tools used in procedures are free from contaminants. Masks protect both the patient and the healthcare provider from respiratory droplet transmission. While some practices may seem conventional, the emphasis on continuous hand hygiene regardless of visibility highlights the importance of thorough infection control measures in dental settings.