DANB DANB Dental Unit & Environmental Infection Control

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of flushing dental unit waterlines at the beginning of each clinical day?

Accepted Answer

To reduce microbial contamination that accumulates overnight in stagnant water

Answer

To warm the water for patient comfort

Answer

To check water pressure

Answer

To remove air bubbles from lines

Question 2

Biofilm in dental unit waterlines is primarily composed of:

Accepted Answer

Naturally occurring environmental waterborne bacteria

Answer

Blood and saliva from patients

Answer

Chemical disinfectant residue

Answer

Air from the dental compressor

Question 3

What water quality standard does the CDC recommend for water used in dental handpieces and air/water syringes during non-surgical procedures?

Accepted Answer

Potable water quality (≤500 CFU/mL heterotrophic bacteria)

Answer

Tap water quality (≤500 CFU/mL)

Answer

Sterile water only

Answer

Distilled water only

Question 4

Which type of water should be used during surgical procedures that involve cutting through bone or soft tissue?

Accepted Answer

Sterile saline or sterile water delivered through a sterile irrigation system

Answer

Tap water

Answer

Water meeting potable quality standards

Answer

Distilled water

Question 5

How should the dental chair and light handle be managed between patients for infection control?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Wipe with a dry cloth

Answer

Clean only at end of day

Answer

Leave as-is; they are rarely contaminated

Question 6

What is the infection control concern with dental unit air compressors?

Accepted Answer

Contaminated air from the compressor can be delivered to the patient through air-water syringes

Answer

They consume too much electricity

Answer

They can introduce contaminated water into the dental unit waterlines

Answer

They produce heat that damages instruments