ADEX Infection Control Principles 3

Question 1

According to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, who is responsible for providing hepatitis B vaccination to dental employees?

Accepted Answer

The employer at no cost to the employee

Answer

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 requires employers to offer HBV vaccination to all employees with occupational exposure at no cost within 10 days of assignment.

Question 2

What does the term 'chain of infection' refer to in infection control?

Accepted Answer

The linked steps required for a pathogen to cause disease in a new host

Answer

The chain of infection describes six links — infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host — that must all be present for infection to occur.

Question 3

Single-use disposable items such as saliva ejectors should be discarded after each patient because they are:

Accepted Answer

Regulated as single-use devices that cannot be reliably re-sterilized

Answer

FDA regulates single-use devices; reprocessing them may compromise function, cannot guarantee sterility, and is prohibited without 510(k) clearance for reprocessing.

Question 4

A dental hygienist's mask becomes moist after 20 minutes of aerosol-generating procedures. What should be done?

Accepted Answer

Replace it immediately with a fresh mask

Answer

Moisture reduces filtration efficiency; masks should be replaced when they become wet, damaged, or after each patient.

Question 5

Which surface barrier is MOST appropriate to protect the dental unit light handle during patient care?

Accepted Answer

Plastic wrap or pre-fabricated covers changed between patients

Answer

Plastic barriers on difficult-to-disinfect surfaces like light handles are removed and replaced between patients, protecting surfaces that aerosol disinfectants cannot reliably reach.

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX Infection Control Principles 3