California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Written Practice Exam

Which personal protective equipment should be put on last, just before patient care begins?

1. Goggles

2. Mask

3. Gown

4. Gloves

The correct answer is: Gloves

It is important to put on all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) before beginning patient care in order to prevent the spread of germs and protect oneself from potential infection. Out of the four options provided, the correct answer is gloves. This is because gloves will cover and protect your hands, which are the most likely part of your body to come into contact with potentially harmful substances. Additionally, gloves should be put on last in order to avoid contamination while putting on other PPE items such as goggles, mask, and gown. If gloves were put on first, they could potentially become contaminated while putting on other items and compromise their effectiveness as a barrier. Therefore, gloves should always be the last item of PPE to put on before beginning patient care.