DANB Dental Waste Management

Question 1

How should extracted teeth containing amalgam restorations be disposed of?

Accepted Answer

As regulated medical waste, not as hazardous waste, unless they will be sent to a recycler

Answer

In regular trash

Answer

By incineration only

Answer

By flushing down the drain

Question 2

What is the proper disposal method for used anesthetic cartridges?

Accepted Answer

Place in sharps containers as they may contain residual medication and have needle penetration points

Answer

Dispose in regular trash after removing the needle

Answer

Rinse and recycle with glass containers

Answer

Return to the manufacturer for refilling

Question 3

What dental materials are considered hazardous waste under EPA regulations?

Accepted Answer

Amalgam waste, lead foils from old film packets, and certain disinfectants/chemicals

Answer

Only used cotton rolls and gauze

Answer

Paper products from the operatory

Answer

All plastic disposable items

Question 4

What is the purpose of amalgam separators in dental offices?

Accepted Answer

To capture amalgam particles from wastewater before it enters the municipal sewer system

Answer

To separate different types of amalgam alloys for reuse

Answer

To filter mercury from the office air supply

Answer

To sort dental instruments made from different metals

Question 5

How should pharmaceutical waste (expired medications) be disposed of in a dental office?

Accepted Answer

Through a reverse distributor or hazardous waste contractor, not through regular waste or the sewer system

Answer

By flushing down the drain

Answer

By mixing with regular office trash

Answer

By returning to the patient

Question 6

What color coding is used for biohazardous waste containers in dental offices?

Accepted Answer

Red bags or containers marked with the biohazard symbol

Answer

Blue bags for all dental waste

Answer

Clear bags with a green label

Answer

No specific color coding is required