What is a suggested practice to minimize splatter during polishing?

Minimizing splatter during coronal polishing is important for maintaining a clean and safe environment for both the patient and the dental team. Angling the handpiece towards the dental unit instead of the patient directs any potential splatter away from the patient, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring a more controlled procedure. This approach helps in managing the movement of the polishing cup and the resulting debris effectively, promoting both safety and comfort for the patient.

It is also critical to note that the other practices may inadvertently increase splatter or pose risks. For example, angling the handpiece towards the patient can lead to directing splatter at them, increasing the potential for contamination. Maintaining the handpiece at a 90-degree angle to the tooth surface may not adequately control the flow of splatter. Likewise, increasing the speed of the handpiece can create more forceful debris dispersal, contributing to a greater splatter risk. Therefore, angling towards the dental unit is the best practice for minimizing splatter during polishing procedures.