CDC Safety & Infection Control 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which chemical is commonly used as a high-level disinfectant for heat-sensitive dental laboratory items?
- Isopropyl alcohol 70%
- Glutaraldehyde solution (Correct answer)
- Household bleach 1:10 dilution
- Soap and water
Correct answer: Glutaraldehyde solution
Glutaraldehyde is a high-level disinfectant/sterilant effective against bacteria, viruses, and spores, suitable for heat-sensitive instruments.
Question 2: OSHA requires that an Exposure Control Plan be reviewed and updated how frequently?
- Every 5 years
- Annually, or whenever procedures change (Correct answer)
- Only when a new employee is hired
- Every 3 years
Correct answer: Annually, or whenever procedures change
OSHA mandates annual review and update of the Exposure Control Plan, as well as updates whenever new tasks or procedures affect occupational exposure.
Question 3: What is the purpose of using color-coded waste containers in the dental laboratory?
- Aesthetic organization only
- To distinguish regulated medical waste from general trash (Correct answer)
- To comply with fire safety codes
- To separate recyclable plastics
Correct answer: To distinguish regulated medical waste from general trash
Color-coded containers (red biohazard bags/containers) identify regulated medical waste requiring special handling and disposal per OSHA standards.
Question 4: Which sterilization method is considered the gold standard for heat-stable dental laboratory instruments?
- Dry heat oven at 160°C
- Steam autoclave (moist heat) (Correct answer)
- Chemical vapor sterilization
- Ethylene oxide gas
Correct answer: Steam autoclave (moist heat)
Steam autoclave sterilization is the most reliable and widely recommended method for heat-stable instruments due to its effectiveness and efficiency.
Question 5: When is it appropriate for a dental laboratory technician to remove gloves during a procedure?
- To answer the phone or touch non-contaminated surfaces (Correct answer)
- Never remove gloves once donned until the entire procedure is complete
- Only when moving to a different workstation
- When gloves become visibly soiled but remain intact
Correct answer: To answer the phone or touch non-contaminated surfaces
Gloves must be removed before touching clean surfaces, equipment, or answering the phone to prevent cross-contamination of the environment.
Question 6: What SDS (Safety Data Sheet) section contains information about first aid measures for chemical exposures in the dental laboratory?
- Section 2 - Hazard Identification
- Section 4 - First Aid Measures (Correct answer)
- Section 7 - Handling and Storage
- Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Properties
Correct answer: Section 4 - First Aid Measures
Section 4 of the standardized 16-section SDS format provides specific first aid instructions for inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, and ingestion exposures.
Question 7: Which hepatitis virus poses the greatest occupational infection risk for dental laboratory personnel through blood exposure?
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B (Correct answer)
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis E
Correct answer: Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is 100 times more infectious than HIV via needlestick and is the primary bloodborne pathogen concern in dental settings, though vaccination is available.
CDC Safety & Infection Control 3
Which chemical is commonly used as a high-level disinfectant for heat-sensitive dental laboratory items?