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

Direct contact is the correct choice as it pertains to the mode of transmission that occurs through actual physical contact between individuals. This can include actions such as touching, kissing, or any situation where bodily fluids may be exchanged directly. In a healthcare setting, for example, direct contact can result from procedures involving skin penetration or when hands or gloves come into contact with the skin of a patient.

Understanding direct contact transmission is critical in dental and medical practices as it highlights the importance of using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintaining hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of infections. This method of transmission is particularly relevant in preventing diseases that can spread through skin-to-skin contact, making it essential for dental assistants to be aware of and manage these risks effectively.

Other modes of transmission, such as indirect contact, vector-borne transmission, and airborne transmission, involve different mechanisms that do not require direct physical interaction between individuals, making them distinct from the direct contact mode.