ADC - Australian Dental Council Infection Prevention and Control Questions and Answers

Question 1

A dental assistant sustains a superficial puncture wound from a contaminated explorer during instrument reprocessing.
The patient source is unknown.
After performing immediate first aid by washing the area with soap and water, what is the most critical next step according to Australian workplace safety protocols?

Accepted Answer

Immediately report the incident to the supervising dentist for risk assessment and documentation.

Answer

Apply a strong antiseptic like iodine and cover the wound.

Answer

Wait until the end of the day to see if any local signs of infection appear.

Answer

Request a precautionary course of broad-spectrum antibiotics from a GP.

Question 2

Which of the following provides the highest level of assurance that a sterilisation cycle in a steam autoclave has been effective in killing all microbial life, including highly resistant spores?

Accepted Answer

A biological indicator (spore test) showing no growth after incubation.

Answer

A Class 1 chemical indicator on the outside of a package changing colour.

Answer

The autoclave's physical printout showing the correct time, temperature, and pressure were reached.

Answer

A Class 5 chemical integrating indicator inside the package changing colour as specified.

Question 3

According to the Australian Dental Association's guidelines, what is the recommended routine practice for managing dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) to minimise biofilm contamination?

Accepted Answer

Flushing waterlines for 2 minutes at the start of the day and for 20-30 seconds between patients.

Answer

Using sterile water for all non-surgical procedures.

Answer

Performing a 'shock' disinfection treatment of the lines annually.

Answer

Relying on the mains water supply as it meets national drinking water standards.

Question 4

A dentist is performing a procedure involving a high-speed handpiece, which is known to generate significant aerosols. To comply with standard and transmission-based precautions in Australia, what is the minimum required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Accepted Answer

Gloves, a fluid-resistant gown, protective eyewear or face shield, and a P2/N95 respirator.

Answer

Gloves and a standard surgical mask.

Answer

Gloves, a standard surgical mask, and protective eyewear.

Answer

A P2/N95 respirator and gloves only.

Question 5

In the instrument reprocessing workflow, what is the primary purpose of the initial cleaning step before instruments are placed in a thermal disinfector or steriliser?

Accepted Answer

To physically remove bioburden such as blood, saliva, and tissue.

Answer

To fix proteins to the instrument surface for easier removal later.

Answer

To achieve high-level disinfection of the instruments.

Answer

To apply a protective coating to prevent corrosion during sterilisation.

Question 6

Which of the '5 Moments for Hand Hygiene' specifically applies to the action of a dental practitioner cleaning their hands immediately before donning sterile gloves for a surgical extraction?

Accepted Answer

Moment 2: Before a clean or aseptic procedure.

Answer

Moment 1: Before touching a patient.

Answer

Moment 3: After body fluid exposure risk.

Answer

Moment 4: After touching a patient.