Reuse of a nonsterile explorer on the next patient can lead to which type of microbial contact?

The reuse of a nonsterile explorer on the next patient can lead to indirect microbial contact. This occurs when pathogens are transferred from one patient to another via a contaminated object, in this case, the nonsterile explorer. Unlike direct contact, which involves immediate transfer from one person to another through touching or bodily fluids, indirect contact relies on an object or surface to facilitate that transfer.

In a dental setting, an explorer that has not been properly sterilized can carry bacteria or viruses from the first patient and subsequently introduce those pathogens to the second patient when the same explorer is used again. This emphasizes the importance of proper sterilization and infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infections in clinical environments.