NDAEB Infection Prevention and Control 3

Question 1

What is the difference between sterilization and high-level disinfection in the context of dental instrument processing?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization destroys ALL microorganisms including bacterial spores; high-level disinfection destroys all microorganisms except high numbers of bacterial spores

Answer

Sterilization eliminates ALL forms of microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial endospores. High-level disinfection eliminates all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores. For critical and semi-critical dental instruments, sterilization is the standard.

Question 2

When using ultrasonic cleaning for contaminated dental instruments, why is this method preferred over manual scrubbing?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasonic cleaning removes debris more effectively through cavitation and significantly reduces the risk of sharps injuries to staff during manual cleaning

Answer

Ultrasonic cleaning uses cavitation (formation and implosion of microscopic bubbles) to dislodge debris from instrument surfaces more effectively than manual scrubbing, while greatly reducing the risk of sharps injuries from handling contaminated instruments.

Question 3

A dental assistant is preparing to set up an operatory for the next patient. Which surfaces require barrier protection or disinfection between patients?

Accepted Answer

All clinical contact surfaces that may become contaminated during patient treatment, including light handles, chair controls, handpiece tubing, suction controls, and countertops in the work zone

Answer

All clinical contact surfaces - surfaces that may be touched by contaminated hands, instruments, or spatter during treatment - require either disposable barrier protection or cleaning and disinfection between patients.

Question 4

What type of hand hygiene is required before donning sterile gloves for a surgical dental procedure?

Accepted Answer

A surgical hand scrub or surgical hand rub with an antiseptic agent for the manufacturer-recommended duration

Answer

Before surgical procedures, a surgical hand scrub (using antimicrobial soap and water for 2-6 minutes) or surgical hand rub (using alcohol-based surgical rub per manufacturer's protocol) is required to significantly reduce transient and resident microbial flora on the hands.

Question 5

What is the purpose of using an internal chemical indicator inside each sterilization pack or cassette?

Accepted Answer

To confirm that sterilization conditions (temperature, time, steam) have been achieved inside the pack where the instruments are located

Answer

Internal chemical indicators are placed inside instrument packs to verify that sterilization conditions (adequate temperature, exposure time, and steam presence) penetrated to the center of the pack where the instruments are located.

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

NDAEB Infection Prevention and Control 3