Infection Control · single question
What is the MOST effective measure for a dentist to prevent the spread of contagious disease in the dental office?
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Correct answer: B. Proper hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is consistently identified by WHO and CDC as the single most effective measure to prevent healthcare-associated infection transmission.
- A. Gloves reduce cross-contamination but are NOT a substitute for hand hygiene — hands must be cleaned before donning and after removing gloves.
- B. CORRECT. Proper hand hygiene (handwashing or alcohol-based hand rub) is the cornerstone of infection prevention. It breaks the chain of transmission more effectively than any other single intervention.
- C. High-volume evacuation reduces aerosols during procedures but does not address the primary routes of pathogen transmission.
- D. Instrument sterilization is critical for reused instruments but does not directly address the most common transmission route — hands.
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