Dental Assistant Practice Exam 2025 - Free Dental Assistant Practice Questions and Study Guide

Engineering controls are designed to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards in a dental office setting. In this context, isolating equipment and materials effectively reduces the likelihood that aerosolized particles, dental debris, or chemicals will come into contact with dental staff or patients. This can include physical barriers, such as protective shields or isolation rooms, which help control the environment and prevent direct exposure to potentially harmful substances.

Other options, such as ensuring cleanliness of surfaces, providing personal protective equipment, or improving the aesthetic appeal of the workspace, play important roles in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment, but they do not specifically address the engineering controls that directly modify the workplace layout or use physical barriers to minimize risk. Therefore, the primary purpose of engineering controls is to create a safer work environment by isolating dangers from staff and patients.