Body fluids such and spittle and blood can carry disease and infectious material.
Because of the risk of infection, sterilization is a primary concern in a dental office. The most obvious way to protect against the spread of disease or infection is to sterilize the equipment and personnel that come in contact with the patient. This is done through rigorous internal standards for every person in the office to disinfect their hands between each patient and follow strict guidelines of personal hygiene. Of course, disposable gloves are worn by all personnel when examining a patient and changed between each patient. Often, if personnel leave the room to check a x-ray, and so forth, the gloves are replaced during a single session.