CDC Infection Control & Prevention 3

Question 1

Under the CDC's 2003 Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, saliva is considered a potentially infectious material for which reason?

Accepted Answer

It is presumed to contain blood even when not visibly bloody

Answer

CDC guidelines treat dental saliva as potentially infectious because oral procedures routinely introduce blood into saliva even when it is not visibly apparent.

Question 2

Which hand hygiene product is MOST effective for reducing bacterial counts on hands after patient care in dentistry?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol-based hand rub (≥60% alcohol)

Answer

Alcohol-based hand rubs with ≥60% alcohol are more effective and faster-acting than plain or antibacterial soap for routine hand antisepsis.

Question 3

In dental waterline management, the CDC recommends flushing dental unit water lines for at least how long at the start of each day?

Accepted Answer

1 minute

Answer

CDC recommends flushing dental unit waterlines for at least 1–2 minutes at the beginning of each clinic day to purge overnight biofilm accumulation.

Question 4

Which of the following is considered a critical dental instrument requiring sterilization between patient uses?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

All listed items penetrate soft tissue or contact bone/blood and are therefore classified as critical instruments requiring sterilization.

Question 5

What is the purpose of using a pre-procedural antimicrobial mouth rinse before dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the microbial load in aerosols and spatter generated during treatment

Answer

Pre-procedural mouth rinses reduce the number of microorganisms in aerosols and spatter produced during dental procedures, lowering infection risk.

(CDC) Certified Dental Coder Practice Test

(CDC) Certified Dental Coder Practice Test

CDC Infection Control & Prevention 3