ADEX Infection Control and Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of sterilization monitoring provides the most definitive proof that sterilization conditions were met?
- Chemical indicator (Class 1)
- Mechanical/physical monitoring
- Biological indicator (spore test) (Correct answer)
- Chemical integrator (Class 5)
Correct answer: Biological indicator (spore test)
Biological indicators using Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores provide the gold standard proof that all sterilization parameters were achieved.
Question 2: Environmental surface disinfectants used in dentistry must be EPA-registered as:
- Hospital disinfectants (Correct answer)
- Sterile solutions
- Food-safe sanitizers
- Antiseptics
Correct answer: Hospital disinfectants
The CDC recommends EPA-registered hospital disinfectants for decontamination of clinical contact surfaces in dental settings.
Question 3: What is the correct sequence for processing reusable dental instruments?
- Sterilize → clean → package → store
- Clean → package → sterilize → store (Correct answer)
- Package → clean → sterilize → store
- Clean → sterilize → package → store
Correct answer: Clean → package → sterilize → store
Instruments must be cleaned to remove bioburden first, then packaged, then sterilized, and finally stored for use.
Question 4: Which personal protective equipment must be changed between patients or when visibly soiled?
- Safety glasses
- Clinic gown
- Gloves (Correct answer)
- Surgical mask only if wet
Correct answer: Gloves
Gloves are single-use items that must be changed between every patient and whenever torn, punctured, or visibly contaminated.
Question 5: Dental unit waterlines can harbor biofilm primarily composed of which organism?
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other water bacteria (Correct answer)
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Candida albicans
Correct answer: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other water bacteria
Dental unit waterlines commonly harbor biofilm of environmental bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella, and other waterborne organisms.
Question 6: According to CDC guidelines, how often should biological monitoring of steam autoclaves be performed at minimum?
- Daily
- Weekly (Correct answer)
- Monthly
- Only when mechanical failure occurs
Correct answer: Weekly
The CDC recommends at least weekly biological monitoring of sterilizers in dental offices to verify their function.
Question 7: A flash sterilization (unwrapped) cycle is appropriate for:
- Routine instrument sterilization between all patients
- Emergency sterilization of an item needed immediately with no sterile alternative (Correct answer)
- Sterilizing instruments that cannot withstand heat
- Pre-sterilization of new instruments before first use
Correct answer: Emergency sterilization of an item needed immediately with no sterile alternative
Flash sterilization should be used only in emergencies when a needed instrument has no sterile replacement — it is not appropriate for routine processing.
ADEX Infection Control and Safety 3
Which type of sterilization monitoring provides the most definitive proof that sterilization conditions were met?