DANB Hand Hygiene & Surface Disinfection Flashcards
6 cards from real DANB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 DANB Hand Hygiene & Surface Disinfection flashcards as text
What is the two-step process for cleaning and disinfecting dental surface barriers when they are not used?
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.
Surface barriers (plastic wrap/covers) used in dentistry should be changed:
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.
Which alcohol concentration is most effective as a hand antiseptic?
Answer: 60–95%
Alcohol concentrations of 60–95% are most effective at denaturing proteins and killing a broad spectrum of microorganisms on hands.
When should surgical hand antisepsis be performed in a dental setting?
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.
What product should NOT be used for hand hygiene in a dental office?
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.
How long should an alcohol-based hand rub be applied to achieve effective hand antisepsis?
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.