Final answer:
The dental assistant gains an enhanced understanding of infection control through education and experience in the field.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dental assistant gains an enhanced understanding of infection control through education and experience in the field. They learn about the importance of hand hygiene, disinfection, and sterilization techniques to prevent the spread of infections in a dental setting.
For example, a dental hygienist may learn that nicking the gum with a sharp tool can lead to a localized infection in the gum, which can then spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, causing a secondary infection.
The dental assistant may also learn about the risks associated with certain patient populations, such as drug addicts or individuals with a higher risk of needle sticks, and how to implement infection control measures to protect both themselves and the patients.