Which healthcare professional is most likely to require eye protection while performing their duties?

The need for eye protection in a healthcare setting is particularly crucial in procedures that involve a higher risk of exposure to bodily fluids, including blood and saliva, which can happen in dental procedures. A dentist extracting a tooth works in an environment where there is a significant chance of splatter from these fluids, especially given the invasive nature of the procedure.

Dentists typically wear protective eyewear, such as goggles or face shields, to safeguard against potential exposure to infectious agents and minimize risk to their eyes from blood or debris that may be released during extractions. This practice is part of standard infection control protocols in dentistry aimed at ensuring both patient and provider safety.

Other healthcare professionals may require some level of protective equipment, but the risk to the eyes is more pronounced and direct in the case of dentists performing extractions compared to the activities of the other listed professionals. For instance, taking a blood pressure or filling a prescription involves minimal risk of exposure to liquids, while an EMT responding to a cardiac arrest may also manage potential bodily fluid exposure, but they often focus more on overall body protection rather than specific eye protection as a standard.