Which of the following is a key practice to minimize the risk of cross infection?

Regular handwashing is fundamental in minimizing the risk of cross-infection in any healthcare setting, including dental practices. This practice serves as a primary defense mechanism to prevent the transfer of pathogens between patients, dental staff, and the environment. Proper hand hygiene involves washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which can significantly reduce the bacterial load on a caregiver's hands.

Handwashing is particularly crucial in dentistry due to the widespread use of instruments that may come into contact with blood and saliva, which are potential sources of infectious agents. By ensuring that dental staff adhere to stringent hand hygiene protocols, the likelihood of contamination and transmission of infectious diseases can be greatly reduced, thus protecting both patients and healthcare providers.

Utilizing non-disposable equipment could lead to increased risks if not properly sterilized, investing in expensive products doesn’t directly correlate to infection control, and reducing staff training would likely have adverse effects on the overall hygiene practices in place.