What personal protective equipment is essential to wear during procedures that can generate aerosols?

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during procedures that generate aerosols is crucial for ensuring the safety of dental professionals and patients alike. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to PPE, which includes a combination of face masks, gloves, and goggles.

Face masks are essential in preventing the inhalation of airborne particles and aerosols that may contain infectious agents. Masks act as a barrier to protect the respiratory system, which is particularly vital during dental procedures where aerosols are produced.

Gloves serve a different yet equally important purpose by providing a protective barrier for the hands against blood, saliva, and other potentially infectious materials. This protects both the clinician and the patient, ensuring that the risk of cross-contamination is minimized.

Goggles protect the eyes from splashes and potential contact with infectious aerosols. Eye protection is important as mucous membranes of the eyes can be a portal of entry for pathogens.

Thus, the correct answer underscores the necessity of utilizing all three types of personal protective equipment during aerosol-generating procedures to provide comprehensive protection and adhere to best practices in infection control within dental settings.