ADAP Infection Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which CDC transmission-based precaution category applies to tuberculosis (TB) in a dental setting?
- Contact precautions
- Airborne precautions (Correct answer)
- Droplet precautions
- Standard precautions only
Correct answer: Airborne precautions
TB requires airborne precautions because M. tuberculosis is spread via small respiratory droplet nuclei that remain suspended in air.
Question 2: What is the minimum temperature required for steam autoclave sterilization at standard pressure (15 psi)?
- 250°F (121°C) (Correct answer)
- 270°F (132°C)
- 212°F (100°C)
- 300°F (149°C)
Correct answer: 250°F (121°C)
Standard gravity-displacement steam autoclaves operate at 121°C (250°F) at 15 psi for a minimum of 15–30 minutes.
Question 3: A dental assistant recaps a needle after an injection. Which technique is the SAFEST recapping method if recapping is necessary?
- Two-handed scoop technique
- One-handed scoop technique
- Using a needle cap holder device (Correct answer)
- Asking another staff member to hold the cap
Correct answer: Using a needle cap holder device
A needle cap holder (mechanical recapping device) is the safest option; if unavailable, the one-handed scoop technique is preferred over two-handed recapping.
Question 4: Which of the following is classified as a critical dental instrument?
- Mouth mirror
- Air/water syringe tip
- Periodontal probe (Correct answer)
- Saliva ejector
Correct answer: Periodontal probe
Critical instruments penetrate soft tissue or bone and must be heat-sterilized; the periodontal probe contacts subgingival tissue and bone.
Question 5: What does the term 'dental unit waterline biofilm' refer to?
- Residue left by dental cements on tubing walls
- A microbial community that forms on the interior surfaces of water delivery tubing (Correct answer)
- Mineral scale from hard water in the dental unit
- Fluoride deposits inside the air/water syringe
Correct answer: A microbial community that forms on the interior surfaces of water delivery tubing
Dental unit waterline biofilm is a structured community of microorganisms attached to the inner walls of narrow-bore water tubing, potentially contaminating water sprayed on patients.
Question 6: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) should be removed FIRST when leaving a contaminated operatory?
- Mask
- Gloves (Correct answer)
- Protective eyewear
- Gown
Correct answer: Gloves
Gloves are removed first to prevent transferring contaminants to other PPE or surfaces during doffing.
Question 7: How often should dental handpiece waterlines be flushed at the beginning of each clinical day?
- 10 seconds
- 20–30 seconds
- 2 minutes (Correct answer)
- 5 minutes
Correct answer: 2 minutes
CDC guidelines recommend flushing handpiece waterlines for at least 2 minutes at the beginning of each day to reduce microbial contamination.
ADAP Infection Control 2
Which CDC transmission-based precaution category applies to tuberculosis (TB) in a dental setting?