What aspect is standard precautions primarily based on?

Standard precautions are based primarily on the concept of treating all patients as if they are potentially infectious, regardless of their known health status. This approach is designed to minimize the risk of transmission of infections in a healthcare setting. It encompasses a range of infection control practices for all patients, rather than being tailored to specific socioeconomic status, staff certification levels, or focusing solely on personal protective equipment (PPE).

By applying a comprehensive infection control protocol consistently across all patients, healthcare professionals can significantly reduce the risk of spreading infections. This includes practices like hand hygiene, use of PPE, proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and instruments, and safe handling of needles and sharps. The focus on a broad infection control procedure for every patient helps to ensure safety and health within the clinical environment and is foundational to the practice of effective infection control in dental settings.