WASHING HANDS

One of the most simple and basic hygiene practices is hand washing. Hands are the most common way diseases are transmitted. Dentists and all care providers should wash their hands before each patient and before handling sterile instruments and appliances. While hand washing may be the simplest way to control infection, it is often not practised when warranted or if practised, not properly performed.

A proper cleaning involves washing the hands thoroughly using antimicrobial soap and clean water, and then washing from a clean area (the hands) to a less clean area (the forearms). It should also be noted that the use of gloves is not a substitute for hand washing.