Which method best prevents the transfer of microorganisms from staff to patients?

Handwashing is recognized as the most effective method for preventing the transfer of microorganisms from staff to patients. When dental professionals wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water (or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available), they significantly reduce the microbial load on their skin. This practice helps eliminate pathogens that may have been acquired from touching surfaces or interacting with patients, thereby minimizing the risk of cross-contamination during dental procedures.

Disinfection is important for cleaning surfaces and instruments, but it does not directly address the removal of microorganisms from the skin of healthcare workers. Sterilisation is crucial for ensuring that instruments and materials are free from all forms of microbial life, but it does not prevent the transfer of microorganisms from the hands of staff. Zoning, while a beneficial practice for managing workflow and spatial organization, does not have a direct impact on microbial transfer. Thus, handwashing stands out as the key practice in infection control by ensuring that staff members do not carry pathogens into the clinical environment.