Which of the following practices helps maintain a sterile environment during dental procedures?

Using appropriate barriers for sensitive equipment is essential for maintaining a sterile environment during dental procedures. These barriers help prevent the contamination of equipment and surfaces that may come into contact with the patient or the dental team. Barriers can be made of plastic or other materials and cover items such as light handles, dental chairs, and other surfaces that are difficult to disinfect effectively. This practice ensures that any potential pathogens are kept from affecting the equipment, thereby reducing the risk of infection transmission during the procedures.

In contrast, using reusable dental instruments without disinfection introduces the risk of transferring pathogens from one patient to another. Washing hands only before patient interaction, while an important practice, does not fully support a sterile environment throughout the procedure, as hand hygiene should also occur after touching potentially contaminated surfaces. Lastly, allowing any visitors to enter the operatory can compromise the sterile environment by introducing additional variables that may lead to contamination. Thus, employing barriers remains the most effective way to sustain a sterile field during dental procedures.