ADEX Infection Control and Safety 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which OSHA standard specifically requires dental employers to offer free hepatitis B vaccination to employees with occupational exposure?
- Hazard Communication Standard
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) (Correct answer)
- Personal Protective Equipment Standard
- Respiratory Protection Standard
Correct answer: Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard mandates that employers provide hepatitis B vaccination at no cost to employees who have occupational exposure to blood or OPIM.
Question 2: When using an ultrasonic scaler, the primary infection control concern regarding aerosol generation is:
- Exposure of the patient to cleaning solution
- Creation of aerosols and spatter containing blood and saliva (Correct answer)
- Damage to the sterilizer from ultrasonic residue
- Overheating of instruments
Correct answer: Creation of aerosols and spatter containing blood and saliva
Ultrasonic scalers generate significant aerosols and spatter laden with blood, saliva, and microorganisms, requiring appropriate respiratory and eye protection.
Question 3: A surface that is difficult to disinfect, such as a dental chair adjustment lever, should be managed by:
- Wiping with alcohol after each patient
- Covering with an impervious barrier that is changed between patients (Correct answer)
- Applying glutaraldehyde and leaving to air dry
- Leaving uncovered if not visibly soiled
Correct answer: Covering with an impervious barrier that is changed between patients
Complex or difficult-to-disinfect surfaces should be covered with single-use impervious barriers changed between patients.
Question 4: Which chemical indicator class is considered an integrating indicator and monitors all critical sterilization parameters?
- Class 1 (process indicator)
- Class 3 (single-variable indicator)
- Class 5 (integrating indicator) (Correct answer)
- Class 6 (emulating indicator)
Correct answer: Class 5 (integrating indicator)
Class 5 integrating indicators respond to all critical variables (time, temperature, steam quality) and provide the highest level of chemical monitoring.
Question 5: The recommended threshold for dental unit waterline water quality per CDC guidelines is:
- <500 CFU/mL of heterotrophic bacteria (Correct answer)
- <1000 CFU/mL of heterotrophic bacteria
- Sterile (0 CFU/mL)
- <200 CFU/mL of coliforms only
Correct answer: <500 CFU/mL of heterotrophic bacteria
The CDC recommends that dental unit waterline output water contain <500 CFU/mL of heterotrophic bacteria, consistent with drinking water standards.
Question 6: Which of the following is classified as 'Other Potentially Infectious Material' (OPIM) under the OSHA BBP Standard?
- Saliva in dental settings (Correct answer)
- Intact skin contact with blood
- Patient's clothing
- Sweat and tears
Correct answer: Saliva in dental settings
Under the OSHA BBP Standard, saliva in dental settings is specifically listed as OPIM due to the potential for blood contamination.
Question 7: Hand hygiene with an alcohol-based hand rub is NOT appropriate when hands are:
- After removing gloves
- Before donning gloves
- Visibly soiled with blood or body fluids (Correct answer)
- Between patients when hands appear clean
Correct answer: Visibly soiled with blood or body fluids
When hands are visibly soiled with blood or body fluids, soap and water must be used because alcohol-based rubs do not physically remove gross contamination.
ADEX Infection Control and Safety 4
Which OSHA standard specifically requires dental employers to offer free hepatitis B vaccination to employees with occupational exposure?