Which practice minimizes the risk of cross-contamination in the dental office?

Wearing facial masks during procedures is an essential practice in the dental office that helps minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Masks act as a barrier to prevent the transmission of pathogens that can be spread through respiratory droplets when a dental professional speaks, breathes, or during procedures that may generate aerosols. This protective measure is crucial in safeguarding both patients and practitioners from infections, especially in a close-contact environment like a dental office where procedures often involve the mouth and can lead to aerosol generation.

Maintaining a sterile environment and personal safety also relies heavily on the additional use of protective equipment like gloves and eyewear, but the specific action of wearing a mask directly addresses the risk of airborne transmission. Thus, it plays a critical role in infection control protocols and supports overall patient and staff safety during dental treatments.