ADEX Infection Control Principles 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of using a rubber dam during restorative and scaling procedures from an infection control standpoint?
- It eliminates the need for eye protection
- It reduces aerosol and spatter contamination from the oral cavity (Correct answer)
- It sterilizes the operative field
- It replaces hand hygiene requirements
Correct answer: It reduces aerosol and spatter contamination from the oral cavity
Rubber dams significantly reduce oral microbial aerosols and spatter, decreasing contamination of surfaces, instruments, and the clinician's mucous membranes.
Question 2: According to the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, how often should biological indicator testing of sterilizers be performed at minimum?
- Every day of use
- At least weekly (Correct answer)
- Monthly
- After every 50 cycles
Correct answer: At least weekly
CDC recommends using biological indicators at least weekly and with every load containing implantable devices to confirm sterilizer performance.
Question 3: A patient discloses active herpes labialis (cold sore) at the start of a scheduled scaling appointment. What is the BEST course of action?
- Proceed normally since HSV-1 is not bloodborne
- Defer elective treatment until the lesion resolves to prevent autoinoculation and clinician exposure (Correct answer)
- Apply topical antiviral and proceed immediately
- Treat only with double gloves
Correct answer: Defer elective treatment until the lesion resolves to prevent autoinoculation and clinician exposure
Active herpetic lesions are contagious; elective dental treatment should be deferred to reduce risk of herpetic whitlow in the clinician and avoid disturbing the lesion.
Question 4: What is the recommended safe handling procedure for contaminated sharps in the dental operatory?
- Recap needles using a two-handed technique before disposal
- Place sharps directly into a rigid puncture-resistant container without recapping when possible (Correct answer)
- Bend or break needles before disposal to render them safe
- Wrap sharps in gauze before placing in the regular waste bin
Correct answer: Place sharps directly into a rigid puncture-resistant container without recapping when possible
OSHA mandates that contaminated needles not be recapped by hand and be disposed of directly into puncture-resistant sharps containers to prevent needlestick injuries.
Question 5: Which type of glove is required when handling liquid chemical sterilants such as glutaraldehyde during instrument reprocessing?
- Latex examination gloves
- Nitrile examination gloves
- Heavy-duty utility gloves (Correct answer)
- Sterile surgical gloves
Correct answer: Heavy-duty utility gloves
Heavy-duty utility (puncture-resistant) gloves are required for handling glutaraldehyde and other chemical sterilants; thin examination gloves provide inadequate chemical protection.
Question 6: Hand hygiene with an alcohol-based hand rub is NOT appropriate in which of the following situations?
- Before donning gloves for patient care
- After removing gloves following a routine exam
- When hands are visibly soiled with blood or body fluids (Correct answer)
- Between patients when hands appear clean
Correct answer: When hands are visibly soiled with blood or body fluids
Alcohol-based hand rubs are ineffective against visible soiling; soap and water must be used when hands are visibly contaminated.
Question 7: The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard requires that the exposure control plan be reviewed and updated at minimum:
- Every 6 months
- Annually and whenever new tasks or procedures are added (Correct answer)
- Every 2 years
- Only when a new employee is hired
Correct answer: Annually and whenever new tasks or procedures are added
OSHA requires annual review of the exposure control plan and updates whenever tasks, procedures, or employee positions change that affect exposure.
ADEX Infection Control Principles 4
What is the purpose of using a rubber dam during restorative and scaling procedures from an infection control standpoint?