After washing hands at a faucet that is not automatic, the dental healthcare personnel should?

Using a dry paper towel to turn off the faucet after washing hands is the correct practice because it minimizes the risk of recontaminating the hands after they have been thoroughly cleaned. When hand hygiene is performed, it’s crucial to avoid contact with potentially contaminated surfaces, including the faucet handles. By utilizing a paper towel, dental healthcare personnel can create a barrier between their clean, dry hands and the faucet, thus preserving the cleanliness and effectiveness of their hand hygiene.

This technique is particularly important in a clinical environment where the risk of cross-contamination is high. Proper hand hygiene is a fundamental aspect of infection control, and the actions taken immediately after washing hands can significantly impact overall infection prevention efforts.