DANB Dental Waste Management 3

Question 1

What is the primary environmental concern with improper disposal of dental amalgam into wastewater systems?

Accepted Answer

Mercury bioaccumulation in aquatic food chains

Answer

Clogging treatment equipment

Answer

Corrosion of sewer infrastructure

Answer

Increased chlorine demand at treatment plants

Question 2

Which federal agency primarily regulates transport and disposal of regulated medical waste from dental offices?

Accepted Answer

DOT and state environmental agencies

Answer

OSHA

Answer

CDC

Answer

FDA

Question 3

What is the recommended procedure for disposing of unused or expired dental pharmaceuticals?

Accepted Answer

Use a pharmaceutical waste reverse distribution program or DEA-authorized collection

Answer

Flush down the drain

Answer

Place in regular trash after removing labels

Answer

Mix with kitty litter in biohazard bags

Question 4

Where must biohazard warning labels be placed according to OSHA?

Accepted Answer

On all containers of regulated waste, refrigerators storing blood, and contaminated equipment

Answer

Only on outermost transport containers

Answer

On each individual contaminated item

Answer

Only in the sterilization area

Question 5

What is the proper protocol for blood-saturated single-use items that would drip if squeezed?

Accepted Answer

Place in red biohazard bags for regulated medical waste disposal

Answer

Double-bag in clear plastic for regular trash

Answer

Spray with disinfectant and dispose in general waste

Answer

Air-dry completely then dispose as regular waste

Question 6

What waste management documentation must dental offices maintain for compliance?

Accepted Answer

Waste tracking manifests, hauler permits, and treatment facility documentation

Answer

Only sharps container purchase receipts

Answer

A daily patient count log

Answer

No documentation for offices under 50 pounds per month