DANB Dental Waste Management 2

Question 1

According to OSHA, what color must sharps disposal containers be in a dental office?

Accepted Answer

Red or orange-red

Answer

OSHA requires sharps containers to be closable, puncture-resistant, leakproof, and color-coded red or orange-red for easy identification.

Question 2

Which dental material is classified as hazardous waste requiring special disposal under EPA regulations?

Accepted Answer

Scrap amalgam and amalgam capsules

Answer

Scrap amalgam contains approximately 50% mercury by weight, classified as hazardous waste under EPA regulations requiring special handling and disposal through licensed carriers.

Question 3

What is the proper classification of used anesthetic needles and scalpel blades?

Accepted Answer

Regulated medical waste (sharps)

Answer

Used needles and scalpel blades are regulated medical waste in the sharps category because they can penetrate skin and transmit bloodborne pathogens.

Question 4

Which type of dental waste can generally be disposed of as regular solid waste?

Accepted Answer

Lightly contaminated gloves and patient bibs

Answer

Items with minimal blood contamination that would not release blood if compressed are generally classified as non-regulated solid waste.

Question 5

What is the EPA-required minimum efficiency rating for dental amalgam separators?

Accepted Answer

95%

Answer

The EPA's 2017 Dental Amalgam Rule requires ISO 11143-compliant amalgam separators achieving at least 95% removal efficiency.

DANB Infection Control Exam Practice Test

DANB Infection Control Exam Practice Test

DANB Dental Waste Management 2