When should gloves be changed during a dental procedure?

The practice of changing gloves is crucial for maintaining aseptic techniques during dental procedures. Gloves should be changed whenever they become torn, soiled, or after a change in patient to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

When gloves are torn or have holes, they no longer provide a barrier against pathogens, exposing both the dental professional and the patient to potential infections. Similarly, if gloves become soiled with blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids, the risk of transmitting infectious agents increases, necessitating a change to ensure cleanliness and safety.

Furthermore, when moving from one patient to another, changing gloves helps prevent the transfer of microorganisms from one individual to another. This practice is a fundamental component of infection control protocols in dental settings and is aligned with guidelines set by health organizations, which emphasize the importance of barrier protection in preventing disease transmission.

The other choices either do not align with standard infection control practices or do not address the necessary conditions for changing gloves effectively. Therefore, the correct approach is to change gloves as needed based on their condition and the context of patient interactions.