What is an important practice for infection control in a dental office?

Universal precautions for all patients is a critical infection control practice in a dental office. This approach assumes that all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious, regardless of the patient's apparent health status. By applying universal precautions, dental professionals protect themselves and their patients by using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, during all patient interactions. This minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of infectious diseases, creating a safer environment for both staff and patients.

In contrast, regular staff meetings, while beneficial for communication and teamwork, do not directly impact infection control practices. Inflating the balloon of a dental chair does not relate to infection control and is more about comfort or functionality of the equipment. Encouraging flossing, although an important aspect of oral hygiene, pertains to patient education and oral health rather than infection control procedures in the dental setting. Therefore, emphasizing universal precautions is essential for maintaining a safe and hygienic practice in dentistry.