What kind of infection control is primarily focused on the prevention of transmission of bloodborne pathogens?

Standard precautions are critical in dental assisting as they encompass a set of practices designed to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, particularly bloodborne pathogens, in healthcare settings. This approach assumes that all blood and certain body fluids from all patients are potentially infectious, which aligns with the principles of infection control.

By implementing standard precautions, dental professionals utilize protective measures such as the use of gloves, face masks, eye protection, and proper disposal of contaminated materials. These practices not only aim to protect healthcare workers but also help in safeguarding patients from potential infections during procedures.

In contrast, the other options cater to specific scenarios or types of transmission. For instance, transmission-based precautions focus on patients known or suspected to be infected with highly transmissible pathogens. Environmental cleaning is essential in maintaining hygienic settings but does not specifically target the prevention of bloodborne pathogen transmission. Airborne precautions are relevant for diseases transmitted through the air, which is separate from concerns about bloodborne pathogens. Thus, understanding standard precautions as a comprehensive measure is essential for preventing infections in dental practice.