Which of the following personal protective equipment would best protect the dental healthcare personnel from conjunctivitis?

Goggles are the most effective personal protective equipment for protecting dental healthcare personnel from conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can be caused by pathogens that are transmitted through splashes or sprays, and goggles provide a barrier that covers the eyes, preventing these irritants or infectious materials from coming into direct contact with the conjunctival surface.

While face shields do offer some protection, they may not fit closely enough to the face to effectively shield the eyes from splashes or aerosols. Masks are mainly designed to protect the respiratory system from droplets and do not provide any eye protection. Gloves protect the hands from contamination, but they do not offer any protection for the eyes, which is crucial in preventing conditions like conjunctivitis that originate from pathogen exposure to the eye area. Thus, goggles remain the best option for eye protection in the dental healthcare setting.