What do standard precautions primarily aim to prevent?

Standard precautions primarily aim to prevent infection transmission in healthcare settings, including dental practices. This approach incorporates a set of practices designed to protect both patients and healthcare workers by addressing potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other infectious materials.

By adhering to standard precautions, dental professionals enhance safety by using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, ensuring proper hand hygiene, and following strict protocols for the cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and instruments. This preventative measure is vital in minimizing the risk of diseases that can be transmitted through direct contact or through airborne droplets, thus maintaining a safe environment for both staff and patients.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the core objectives of standard precautions. Fire hazards, mental health issues, and pest infestations relate to different areas of risk management that are outside the scope of infection control practices.