What process removes germs while cleaning hands?

The process that removes germs while cleaning hands is handwashing. Handwashing involves using soap and water to physically remove dirt, debris, and microorganisms from the skin. When hands are scrubbed with soap and rinsed under running water, the mechanical action helps lift bacteria and viruses off the skin, effectively reducing the overall microbial load.

While hand sanitizing (another choice) can reduce the number of germs, it may not remove dirt and contaminants as effectively as handwashing. Disinfecting typically refers to killing germs on surfaces rather than on the skin, and pretreatment is generally not associated with hand hygiene practices. Therefore, handwashing is crucial in maintaining proper hand hygiene, particularly in a dental setting, where preventing the spread of infection is paramount.