DANB DANB Hand Hygiene & Surface Disinfection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the two-step process for cleaning and disinfecting dental surface barriers when they are not used?
- Wipe once with disinfectant
- Clean with detergent, then disinfect with EPA-registered product (Correct answer)
- Apply bleach solution only
- Use UV light sterilization
Correct answer: Clean with detergent, then disinfect with EPA-registered product
Surfaces without barriers must first be cleaned to remove debris, then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade product to kill remaining pathogens.
Question 2: Surface barriers (plastic wrap/covers) used in dentistry should be changed:
- Once daily
- Once per week
- Between each patient (Correct answer)
- Only when visibly soiled
Correct answer: Between each patient
Surface barriers must be changed between each patient because they become contaminated during procedures and can transmit pathogens if left in place.
Question 3: Which alcohol concentration is most effective as a hand antiseptic?
- 30–40%
- 50–60%
- 60–95% (Correct answer)
- 100%
Correct answer: 60–95%
Alcohol concentrations of 60–95% are most effective at denaturing proteins and killing a broad spectrum of microorganisms on hands.
Question 4: When should surgical hand antisepsis be performed in a dental setting?
- Before every routine procedure
- Before surgical procedures only (Correct answer)
- After every procedure
- Only when wearing sterile gloves
Correct answer: Before surgical procedures only
Surgical hand antisepsis is required before surgical procedures to reduce the resident microbial count on hands significantly more than routine handwashing.
Question 5: What product should NOT be used for hand hygiene in a dental office?
- Chlorhexidine scrub
- Alcohol-based hand rub (Correct answer)
- Plain soap and water
- Iodine-based scrub
Correct answer: Alcohol-based hand rub
While alcohol-based hand rubs are acceptable for routine hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled, they should not replace soap and water when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with blood.
Question 6: How long should an alcohol-based hand rub be applied to achieve effective hand antisepsis?
- Until it feels dry (approximately 15–30 seconds) (Correct answer)
- 5 seconds
- 1 minute
- 2 minutes
Correct answer: Until it feels dry (approximately 15–30 seconds)
Alcohol-based hand rubs must be rubbed into all surfaces of the hands until the hands are dry, which typically takes 15–30 seconds for proper antisepsis.
DANB DANB Hand Hygiene & Surface Disinfection 2
What is the two-step process for cleaning and disinfecting dental surface barriers when they are not used?