What is a common outcome of poor infection control in a dental practice?

The outcome of poor infection control in a dental practice primarily leads to the spread of infections. When adequate infection control measures are not implemented, pathogens can easily transfer between patients and staff, potentially leading to outbreaks of communicable diseases. This not only endangers patients' health but can also pose risks to dental professionals and other support staff.

Infection control protocols such as sterilization, disinfection, and proper handling of dental instruments are critical in minimizing these risks. Failing to adhere to these guidelines allows bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents to persist in the dental environment, which can result in significant health consequences for everyone involved. The ramifications of this spread can be severe, possibly leading to increased morbidity rates among patients, legal consequences for dental practices, and damage to the practice's reputation.

While other options may touch on relevant aspects of operational efficiency or financial concerns, they do not directly address the immediate health implications of inadequate infection control, making the spread of infections the most notable and critical outcome.