What personal protective equipment (PPE) should a dental assistant wear when exposing films?

A dental assistant should wear gloves when exposing films as part of standard infection control protocols. Gloves serve to protect the assistant from exposure to blood, saliva, and other potentially infectious materials that may be present during dental procedures. They act as a protective barrier, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination between patients and ensuring a safer environment for both the assistant and the patient.

While safety goggles and chin-length face shields also provide important protection, particularly from splashes and spills, gloves are essential to maintain hygiene and sterile conditions when handling radiographic films, which may come into contact with bodily fluids. Tinted lenses do not offer any protective benefit relevant to the exposure of dental films. Hence, wearing gloves is a fundamental requirement when handling dental radiography materials.