Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which items are important to protect with the use of PPE?

1. Instruments used in dentistry

2. Surfaces in the clinic

3. Employees’ general work attire

4. Healthcare worker's body and skin

The correct answer is: Healthcare worker's body and skin

Protecting the healthcare worker's body and skin with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital for several reasons. Firstly, PPE serves as a barrier against exposure to potentially infectious materials, including bodily fluids, blood, and other contaminants that may be present in a clinical setting. This is particularly crucial in a dental environment where procedures can generate aerosols and splatter. Additionally, PPE helps to safeguard the skin from chemicals, such as disinfectants and other hazardous substances used in the dental practice. For example, gloves protect the hands, masks shield the face and respiratory tract, and gowns provide coverage for the torso and clothing. This protective layering significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination and transmission of infectious diseases, contributing to the safety and wellbeing of dental workers. While protecting instruments and surfaces in the clinic, as well as ensuring that employees' work attire is safe and appropriate, are important aspects of infection control and safety in a dental practice, the primary focus of PPE is to protect the individual healthcare workers directly, making option D the most relevant in this context.