DANB DANB Chemical Disinfectants & Sterilants

Question 1

Which organization is responsible for registering disinfectants used in dental settings in the United States?

Accepted Answer

EPA

Answer

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registers all disinfectants and sterilants used in dental and healthcare settings in the U.S.

Question 2

What are the three levels of disinfection recognized in dental infection control?

Accepted Answer

Low, intermediate, and high

Answer

Disinfection is categorized into three levels—low, intermediate, and high—based on the spectrum of microorganisms the disinfectant can kill.

Question 3

Which level of disinfection is required to kill all microorganisms including Mycobacterium tuberculosis but NOT necessarily high numbers of bacterial spores?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate-level

Answer

Intermediate-level disinfection kills most microorganisms including M. tuberculosis and fungi but may not eliminate high numbers of resistant bacterial spores.

Question 4

Glutaraldehyde used as a liquid chemical sterilant typically requires a minimum contact time of how long?

Accepted Answer

6–10 hours

Answer

To achieve sterilization, glutaraldehyde must remain in contact with instruments for 6–10 hours depending on the product formulation.

Question 5

Which chemical agent is classified as a high-level disinfectant and chemical sterilant in dentistry?

Accepted Answer

2% glutaraldehyde

Answer

2% glutaraldehyde is an EPA-registered high-level disinfectant and chemical sterilant capable of killing all microorganisms including spores with prolonged exposure.

DANB Infection Control Exam Practice Test

DANB Infection Control Exam Practice Test

DANB DANB Chemical Disinfectants & Sterilants