Dental Assistant Practice Exam

How long should you wash your hands between patients?

1. 15 seconds

2. 30 seconds

3. 1 minute

4. 2 minutes

The correct answer is: 30 seconds

Washing hands between patients is a critical infection control practice in dental settings. The recommended duration for washing hands is typically around 20 to 30 seconds. This time frame allows for the effective removal of dirt, debris, and microorganisms from the hands. In this case, the choice of 30 seconds aligns well with established guidelines from health authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which emphasize the importance of thorough hand washing in reducing cross-contamination and preventing the spread of infections in healthcare environments. Proper hand-washing techniques involve scrubbing all parts of the hands, including under the nails and between the fingers, for the full duration to ensure maximum effectiveness against pathogens. The other durations listed, while emphasizing hygiene, may not accurately represent the optimal time frame recommended in most healthcare practices. A shorter wash of 15 seconds may not be sufficient for adequate cleanliness, and durations like 1 minute or 2 minutes exceed the recommended time, which can be impractical in a clinical setting. This makes 30 seconds the most appropriate and scientifically supported choice.