What term describes the likelihood of causing harm during a risk assessment?

The term that describes the likelihood of causing harm during a risk assessment is "evaluation." In the context of risk assessments, evaluation involves assessing the feasibility and potential impact of identified hazards. This step is crucial because it allows dental professionals to understand how likely it is that these hazards could result in harm to patients, staff, or the practice itself.

The evaluation process considers various factors, such as the severity of potential harm, the frequency of exposure to the hazard, and the effectiveness of existing control measures. By appropriately evaluating risks, dental practitioners can prioritize which risks demand immediate attention and develop strategies for mitigation.

In contrast, controlling refers to implementing strategies or measures to reduce identified risks, identification focuses on recognizing potential hazards, and recording involves documenting findings from the risk assessment process but does not directly refer to evaluating the likelihood and impact of harm. Each of these components plays a vital role in the overall risk management process, but evaluation specifically addresses the assessment of harm likelihood.