What is one potential risk of neglecting to properly clean the handpiece after use?

Neglecting to properly clean the handpiece after use can lead to cross-contamination and infection transmission. This is particularly significant in dental practices where handpieces come into contact with saliva, blood, and other biological materials. If residue remains on the handpiece, pathogens can survive and potentially be transferred to subsequent patients during their treatments. This poses a serious health risk and can lead to the spread of infectious diseases. Proper sterilization and cleaning protocols are essential in maintaining a safe environment in dental care, thereby protecting both patients and practitioners from preventable infections.

Other potential risks, while important, do not address the primary concern of infection control as directly as the risk of cross-contamination.