04/07/2026
🦷 We focus so much on PPE, sterilization, and protocols…but the most powerful infection control tool is still the simplest one:
👉 Hand hygiene
According to the CDC, it’s the #1 way to prevent the spread of infection in healthcare settings including dentistry.
And yet…
📊 Healthcare providers only perform hand hygiene about 40% of the times they should.
🚻 And yes….it’s NOT consistently done even after using the restroom.
Let that sink in. 🤮
Why this matters in dental settings:
Every patient interaction involves exposure to:
• Saliva
• Blood
• Contaminated surfaces
Skipping hand hygiene even once increases the risk of cross-contamination.
What proper hand hygiene actually looks like:
✔ Before and after every patient
✔ After contact with bodily fluids or surfaces
✔ After removing gloves (they are NOT a substitute)
✔ Soap & water when visibly soiled, sanitizer for routine use
This isn’t about adding more to your workflow. It’s about doing the one thing that makes the biggest difference consistently.
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