Direct eye contact with a light cure source by the dental assistant should be?

Direct eye contact with a light cure source, such as a dental curing light, should be completely avoided to prevent potential harm to the eyes. These lights emit a high-intensity blue light that can be damaging to the retinal cells and may lead to photochemical damage or other ocular issues if viewed directly.

Dental assistants and other personnel working in dental practices should be trained to stand to the side or use protective eyewear specifically designed to filter out the harmful wavelengths emitted by these lights. Proper training and use of protective equipment are essential to ensure safety in the dental environment. Maintaining safe practices when using dental equipment protects not only the patient but also the dental team.

This understanding underlines why complete avoidance of direct eye contact is paramount in the context of safety in dental procedures involving light-curing sources.