CDT Infection Control & Safety Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which OSHA standard specifically governs occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in dental laboratory settings?
- 29 CFR 1910.1030 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.1200
- 29 CFR 1910.132
- 29 CFR 1910.95
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.1030
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates exposure control plans, PPE use, and hepatitis B vaccination for workers with occupational exposure.
Question 2: When receiving a dental impression from a clinical office, what is the FIRST action a dental technician should take?
- Disinfect the impression before beginning work (Correct answer)
- Pour the impression immediately to preserve detail
- Remove visible debris with running water
- Contact the dentist to confirm the shade
Correct answer: Disinfect the impression before beginning work
All incoming cases should be disinfected upon receipt before any laboratory work begins, regardless of whether the clinical office claims to have already disinfected them.
Question 3: Which type of respirator is required when grinding or trimming dental alloys that contain beryllium?
- N95 filtering facepiece respirator
- Surgical mask
- P100 half-face respirator (Correct answer)
- Powered air-purifying respirator with HEPA filter
Correct answer: P100 half-face respirator
Beryllium-containing alloys require a P100-rated respirator due to the extreme toxicity and carcinogenicity of beryllium dust particles.
Question 4: How long must OSHA-required training records for bloodborne pathogen exposure control be retained?
- 1 year
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
- 10 years
Correct answer: 3 years
OSHA requires that bloodborne pathogen training records be maintained for 3 years from the date of training.
Question 5: What is the correct procedure after a needlestick or sharps injury in the dental laboratory?
- Apply pressure and continue working with gloves on
- Wash with soap and water, report to supervisor, and seek medical evaluation (Correct answer)
- Apply antiseptic only and document at end of shift
- Rinse with bleach solution to kill potential pathogens
Correct answer: Wash with soap and water, report to supervisor, and seek medical evaluation
Immediate washing with soap and water followed by prompt reporting and medical evaluation is the required post-exposure response.
Question 6: Which disinfectant class is considered a high-level disinfectant suitable for heat-sensitive instruments that contact mucous membranes?
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
- Iodophors
- Glutaraldehyde (2%) (Correct answer)
- Sodium hypochlorite (0.5%)
Correct answer: Glutaraldehyde (2%)
2% glutaraldehyde is classified as a high-level disinfectant and sterilant capable of killing all microorganisms including bacterial spores with extended contact time.
Question 7: In dental laboratory infection control, what does the term 'critical item' refer to?
- Any item that contacts intact skin
- Items that contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin
- Items that penetrate soft tissue or bone (Correct answer)
- Items used in sterilization monitoring
Correct answer: Items that penetrate soft tissue or bone
Critical items are those that penetrate soft tissue or bone and carry the greatest risk of infection, requiring sterilization rather than disinfection.
CDT Infection Control & Safety Standards 2
Which OSHA standard specifically governs occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in dental laboratory settings?