DANB Hand Hygiene & Surface Disinfection Flashcards

What is the purpose of using a 1:10 dilution of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) as a surface disinfectant?

Answer: It provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity including HIV and HBV

A 1:10 bleach dilution provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity effective against HIV, HBV, and other pathogens commonly encountered in dental settings.

Which area of the hands is most commonly missed during handwashing?

Answer: Fingernails and fingertips

Fingernails and fingertips are the most commonly missed areas during handwashing, which is why short, clean nails and proper technique are emphasized in dental infection control.

How often should dental personnel perform hand hygiene during patient care?

Answer: Before and after each procedure, after touching contaminated surfaces

Hand hygiene should be performed before and after each procedure and whenever hands contact contaminated surfaces to break the chain of infection transmission.

Which type of gloves should be used when cleaning and disinfecting operatory surfaces?

Answer: Utility/heavy-duty gloves

Utility or heavy-duty gloves should be worn when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces because examination gloves can be easily punctured by sharp instruments during cleaning.

What is the recommended contact time for most EPA-registered surface disinfectants used in dental offices?

Answer: Follow manufacturer's label instructions

Dental professionals must follow the manufacturer's label instructions for contact time, as this varies by product and is required for the disinfectant to be effective.

Artificial nails or nail extenders worn by dental healthcare workers are a concern because:

Answer: They harbor more pathogens and complicate handwashing effectiveness

Artificial nails and extenders harbor significantly more pathogens than natural nails and interfere with effective hand hygiene, increasing infection transmission risk.