DANB Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield DANB facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the term used for infections acquired in a healthcare setting (including dental offices)? → Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
2. What is the role of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard in a dental office? → It mandates employer practices to minimize employee risk of exposure to blood and OPIM
3. A dental team member has an active respiratory illness with fever. The appropriate action is: → Stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication
4. Which of the following is the correct way to remove contaminated gloves? → Peel off inside out to prevent contamination
5. What is the two-step process for cleaning and disinfecting dental surface barriers when they are not used? → Clean with detergent, then disinfect with EPA-registered product
6. What is the role of enzymatic indicators in monitoring the cleaning step of reprocessing? → They detect residual protein on instruments to verify cleaning adequacy
7. Which type of water must be used for surgical procedures in a dental setting? → Sterile water or sterile saline through sterile tubing
8. Which safety protocol helps prevent the spread of airborne infections in dental offices? → Use of HEPA filters and proper ventilation
9. What is the primary purpose of pre-cleaning instruments and surfaces before applying a disinfectant? → To remove organic matter that inactivates disinfectants
10. Which bloodborne pathogen poses the HIGHEST risk of transmission after a single needlestick exposure? → Hepatitis B (HBV)
11. After a needlestick exposure in a dental office, what is the FIRST action to take? → Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
12. What is the proper procedure for managing a mercury spill from dental amalgam? → Use a mercury spill kit to contain and collect the mercury; never use a vacuum cleaner
13. How should sterilized instrument packages be stored? → In closed, clean cabinets away from moisture, dust, and direct sunlight
14. Which organization is responsible for registering disinfectants used in dental settings in the United States? → EPA
15. What is the minimum recommended duration for routine handwashing with soap and water in a dental setting? → 20 seconds
16. What engineering controls reduce the risk of sharps injuries in dental settings? → Self-sheathing needles, sharps containers, and needle recapping devices
17. What is the difference between antisepsis and disinfection? → Antisepsis is for living tissue; disinfection is for inanimate objects
18. Which level of disinfection is appropriate for clinical contact surfaces in a dental operatory? → Intermediate-level disinfection (EPA-registered, tuberculocidal)
19. Artificial nails or nail extenders worn by dental healthcare workers are a concern because: → They harbor more pathogens and complicate handwashing effectiveness
20. What should be done with single-use items such as saliva ejectors and air-water syringe tips after each patient? → Discard as clinical or regulated waste per office protocol
21. What is the recommended procedure for handling extracted teeth in a dental office setting? → Handle as regulated waste; if containing amalgam, follow state-specific disposal rules
22. Which type of chemical agent would be most appropriate for reprocessing heat-sensitive dental instruments that cannot withstand autoclave sterilization? → High-level disinfectant/chemical sterilant such as glutaraldehyde
23. Alcohol-based disinfectants (e.g., 70% isopropyl alcohol) are most effective against which category of microorganisms? → Lipid-enveloped viruses and vegetative bacteria
24. Which hepatitis virus poses the greatest occupational risk to dental workers based on needlestick transmissibility? → Hepatitis B (HBV)
25. What exposure limit and safety measures apply to nitrous oxide in dental offices? → NIOSH recommends maximum 25 ppm TWA with scavenging and adequate ventilation
26. What is the primary purpose of flushing dental unit waterlines at the beginning of each clinical day? → To reduce microbial contamination that accumulates overnight in stagnant water
27. How often does the CDC recommend performing biological monitoring (spore testing) of dental office sterilizers? → At least weekly
28. Which personal protective equipment is required when handling chemical sterilants such as glutaraldehyde or OPA? → Utility gloves, eye protection, and a face mask or respirator
29. According to dental infection control standards, which surfaces should receive chemical disinfection between patients rather than barrier protection alone? → Surfaces that are difficult to cover with barriers and were potentially contaminated
30. Why is hand hygiene critical in dental infection control? → Prevents cross-contamination