When cleaning a treatment room, which PPE should be worn?

When cleaning a treatment room, wearing puncture-resistant gloves is essential because they provide protection against potential hazards such as sharps and other contaminated materials that may be present in the environment. These gloves are specifically designed to resist punctures, reducing the risk of accidental needle sticks or cuts that could expose the dental assistant to bloodborne pathogens or other infectious agents.

While safety goggles, scrubs, and face masks are also important forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) within the dental setting, puncture-resistant gloves directly address the immediate safety concerns associated with cleaning a treatment room. Safety goggles protect the eyes from splashes and debris, face masks protect against inhalation of infectious aerosols, and scrubs provide a barrier against contamination, but none of these options specifically address the risk of injury from sharp objects, which makes the use of puncture-resistant gloves critical during the cleaning process.