Infection Control Procedures Flashcards

What is the proper order for donning personal protective equipment (PPE) in a dental setting?

Answer: Gown, mask, eyewear, gloves

The correct donning sequence is gown first, then mask, protective eyewear, and gloves last. This ensures gloves cover the gown cuffs and remain the outermost barrier.

What level of disinfection is required for dental handpieces between patients?

Answer: Sterilization by heat (autoclave)

Dental handpieces are classified as critical or semi-critical items that enter the patient's mouth and must be heat-sterilized (autoclaved) between patients per CDC guidelines.

What is the purpose of a biological indicator (spore test) in sterilization monitoring?

Answer: To verify that the sterilizer is effectively killing all microorganisms

Biological indicators contain highly resistant bacterial spores (typically Geobacillus stearothermophilus) that serve as the gold standard for verifying sterilization effectiveness.

How often should biological monitoring of sterilizers be performed according to CDC guidelines?

Answer: At least weekly

The CDC recommends biological monitoring (spore testing) of sterilizers at least weekly, with additional testing after equipment repairs, installation, or when processing implantable devices.

What is the minimum contact time for most EPA-registered surface disinfectants used in dentistry?

Answer: The time specified on the product label (typically 1-10 minutes)

The required contact time varies by product but must follow the manufacturer's label instructions, which typically specify 1-10 minutes of wet contact time for effective disinfection.

What classification of instrument is a mouth mirror?

Answer: Semi-critical (contacts mucous membranes but does not penetrate tissue)

A mouth mirror is classified as semi-critical because it contacts mucous membranes but does not penetrate soft tissue or bone. Semi-critical items require sterilization or high-level disinfection.