What procedure should be followed if a dental assistant has a cut on their hand before performing patient care?

Covering a cut on the hand with a waterproof bandage is essential before performing patient care. This procedure serves multiple purposes: it helps to protect the open wound from exposure to bacteria and other pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of infection. Furthermore, it prevents any potential contamination of the patient or the treatment area from blood or bodily fluids that may seep from the cut.

Using a waterproof bandage is particularly important in a dental setting, where the environment can be wet and procedures involve the use of water and saliva. A waterproof bandage ensures that the wound remains sealed and clean, thus maintaining the highest standard of infection control. Additionally, it helps in preventing the assistant's own wound from being further irritated or infected by the dental materials or environmental factors in the clinic.

Ignoring the injury could lead to both personal health risks and the potential for spreading infection. Applying hand sanitizer directly on an open wound might cause irritation and is not an effective form of protection. A standard bandage that is not waterproof may soak through or allow moisture to penetrate, compromising the wound's protection. Hence, using a waterproof bandage is the appropriate action to take in this scenario.