What is the correct way to handle dental instruments during procedures?

The correct approach to handling dental instruments during procedures is to touch clean instruments with gloved hands. This practice is critical for infection control in a dental setting. Using gloves while handling instruments ensures that the risk of transferring bacteria or other contaminants from the skin to the instruments, and subsequently to the patient, is minimized.

Gloves create a barrier that prevents direct contact between the dental provider's skin and the instruments, which may host harmful pathogens if not properly sterilized. This method adheres to established protocols and standards in infection control, emphasizing the need to maintain a sterile environment throughout dental procedures. By wearing gloves, dental professionals not only protect their own hands from exposure to potentially infectious material but also safeguard patient health by avoiding cross-contamination.

Other methods mentioned, such as using bare hands or allowing patients to handle instruments, significantly increase the risk of contamination and compromise the sterile field necessary for safe dental practice.