Coronal Polish Certification Practice Test

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn during coronal polishing?

1. Apron and gloves only

2. Gloves, Mask, face shield/eyewear, lab coat, and bouffant cap

3. Only a lab coat and face shield

4. Gloves and a mask

The correct answer is: Gloves, Mask, face shield/eyewear, lab coat, and bouffant cap

During coronal polishing, it is essential to wear comprehensive personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure both the safety of the patient and the dental professional. The correct selection includes gloves, a mask, a face shield or eyewear, a lab coat, and a bouffant cap. Wearing gloves is critical to prevent cross-contamination and protect both the patient from any bacteria on your hands and yourself from exposure to the patient's saliva. The mask helps filter out respiratory droplets and aerosols that could contain infectious agents, and a face shield or protective eyewear provides additional shielding for the eyes from splatters and debris, which are common during polishing procedures. The lab coat serves as a barrier against contaminants and ensures that your clothing remains clean. A bouffant cap is included to cover hair and minimize the risk of transmitting pathogens through hair follicles. Collectively, this combination of PPE creates a comprehensive barrier that maximizes safety during clinical procedures. Other options may lack certain critical components of PPE, leaving gaps in protection that could expose the dental professional or the patient to risks of infection or contamination. Therefore, the selected answer reflects the best practices recommended in dental procedures.