Before taking radiographs, what should always be done?

Washing hands in front of the patient highlights the importance of infection control in a dental setting. It serves as a critical reminder of maintaining hygiene, thereby minimizing the risk of cross-contamination. Demonstrating this practice not only reassures the patient about the sanitary conditions of their treatment but also reinforces the radiographer's commitment to following proper protocols.

While the other actions listed are important in various contexts—waiting for the patient to be settled ensures they are comfortable and ready for the procedure, adjusting the radiographic equipment is necessary for obtaining quality images, and explaining the procedure to the patient helps in reducing anxiety and ensuring informed consent—they do not directly relate to the initial step of ensuring cleanliness and reducing infection risks. The foremost priority before any procedure should be hand hygiene, as this lays the foundation for safe and effective patient care.