What is the primary purpose of standard precautions in dental settings, and name three components involved?

What is the primary purpose of standard precautions in dental settings, and name three components involved?

• A. Eliminate all infections by sterilizing the dental operatory after every patient.
• B. Protect patients and staff by treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious; components include hand hygiene, PPE, and proper instrument processing and environmental cleaning/disinfection.
• C. Only protect staff; no need to treat patient samples as infectious.
• D. Standard precautions apply only to surgical settings and not to general dental practice.

Answer: (B)