DANB DANB Dental Unit & Environmental Infection Control 3

Question 1

Which air purification method is recommended by the CDC for dental operatories to reduce airborne contaminants?

Accepted Answer

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration and proper ventilation

Answer

HEPA filtration and proper ventilation are CDC-recommended approaches to reducing airborne particulates and aerosols generated during dental procedures in operatories.

Question 2

How should dental radiographic equipment (X-ray unit heads, position-indicating devices) be managed for infection control?

Accepted Answer

Use surface barriers or clean and disinfect with EPA-registered product between patients

Answer

Radiographic equipment including the X-ray tubehead, position-indicating device, and control buttons are clinical contact surfaces requiring barriers or disinfection between patients.

Question 3

What should be done with single-use items such as saliva ejectors and air-water syringe tips after each patient?

Accepted Answer

Discard as clinical or regulated waste per office protocol

Answer

Single-use items such as saliva ejectors and air-water syringe tips must be discarded after each patient as they cannot be adequately cleaned and sterilized for reuse.

Question 4

What is the correct infection control approach for dental handpieces (high-speed, low-speed)?

Accepted Answer

Heat sterilize (autoclave) between patients

Answer

Dental handpieces that enter the mouth must be heat sterilized (autoclaved) between patients because the internal mechanisms can become contaminated and chemical disinfection is insufficient.

Question 5

Environmental surfaces in a dental office are divided into which two categories for infection control purposes?

Accepted Answer

Clinical contact surfaces and housekeeping surfaces

Answer

Dental environmental surfaces are classified as clinical contact surfaces (touched during patient care, requiring disinfection/barriers) and housekeeping surfaces (floors, walls, requiring routine cleaning).

DANB Infection Control Exam Practice Test

DANB Infection Control Exam Practice Test

DANB DANB Dental Unit & Environmental Infection Control 3