ICE Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage Flashcards

When must dental healthcare workers change their gloves during patient care?

Answer: Between patients, after touching contaminated objects, and when gloves are torn or punctured

Gloves must be changed between patients, when torn/punctured, when moving from contaminated to clean areas, and after touching non-patient surfaces.

What level of eye protection is required during dental procedures generating spatter or aerosols?

Answer: Safety glasses with solid side shields, or a full face shield

OSHA requires eye protection with solid side shields or full face shields during any procedure likely to generate splashes, sprays, or aerosols.

What is the correct sequence for donning PPE before a dental procedure?

Answer: Gown, Mask, Eye protection, Gloves

The correct order: gown first, then mask, then eye protection over the mask, and gloves last to cover gown cuffs.

Under what circumstances must a dental worker wear a protective gown or jacket?

Answer: When there is potential for clothing contamination by blood, saliva, or OPIM

Protective clothing must be worn whenever there is potential for contamination with blood, saliva, or OPIM during any dental procedure.

What respiratory protection is required for patients with suspected active tuberculosis?

Answer: NIOSH-certified N95 or higher respirator that has been fit-tested

N95 or higher respirators are required because surgical masks cannot filter the small droplet nuclei (<5 μm) that carry airborne pathogens.

Why must latex-free alternatives be available for dental PPE?

Answer: To accommodate Type I latex hypersensitivity which can cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis

Type I latex hypersensitivity is IgE-mediated, ranging from urticaria to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Nitrile gloves are the most common alternative.