In dentistry, treatment of all patients must be provided after?

In the context of dental practice, it is essential to understand that the treatment of all patients must be conducted after taking standard precautions. Standard precautions are a set of guidelines designed to prevent the transmission of infections in healthcare settings, which include practices like hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory hygiene, and safe handling of potentially contaminated materials.

The reason that standard precautions form the basis of patient treatment is that they are essential for safeguarding both the healthcare provider and the patient from potential infections. This comprehensive approach ensures that assumed infectious agents are effectively managed, thus creating a safer environment for oral health care delivery. By adhering to these guidelines, dental practitioners establish a routine that minimizes the risk of transmission of infectious diseases, regardless of the patient's health status.

While the use of personal protective equipment and disinfecting of equipment are crucial components of infection control, they are part of the broader framework established by the standard precautions. These precautions encompass not just the visible acts of protecting oneself and equipment, but also the underlying philosophies of infection control that govern all patient interactions in a dental setting.