What should dental staff do before coming in contact with a patient?

Before coming into contact with a patient, dental staff should wash and sanitize their hands. This action is fundamental in infection control practices as it helps to prevent the transmission of pathogens that may cause infections, protecting both the patient and the healthcare provider. Hand hygiene is a critical step to ensure that any potential contaminants are removed, creating a safe environment for treatment.

While the other options may be necessary for administrative or professional procedures, they do not directly impact infection control as significantly as hand hygiene. Signing into the computer system, changing clothes, or completing paperwork are important for the workflow and organization of the dental practice but do not enhance the safety protocols associated with patient interactions. Therefore, prioritizing hand washing and sanitization reflects adherence to best practices in infection prevention.