NDECC Infection Control and Sterilization 3

Question 1

What does OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard require dental employers to provide to employees at risk of occupational exposure?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B vaccination at no cost to the employee

Answer

OSHA requires employers to offer the Hepatitis B vaccination series to all employees with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, at no cost to the employee.

Question 2

Which type of glove is required when handling chemical disinfectants and sterilants in the dental reprocessing area?

Accepted Answer

Heavy-duty puncture-resistant utility gloves

Answer

Heavy-duty utility gloves provide chemical resistance and puncture protection required when handling concentrated disinfectants and sharp contaminated instruments during reprocessing.

Question 3

The 'one-glove-change' rule in dental infection control refers to:

Accepted Answer

Removing gloves before touching unchained surfaces such as chart records or computer keyboards during treatment

Answer

Contaminated gloves must be removed before touching unchained surfaces like charts or keyboards to prevent cross-contamination of administrative areas with clinical pathogens.

Question 4

Dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) can harbor biofilm that may contaminate treatment water. What is the recommended colony-forming unit (CFU) limit for water used in dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

Less than 500 CFU/mL

Answer

The CDC and ADA recommend that dental treatment water contain less than 500 CFU/mL of heterotrophic bacteria, consistent with the EPA standard for safe drinking water.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the purpose of 'standard precautions' in dental infection control?

Accepted Answer

Treating all patient blood, body fluids, and mucous membranes as potentially infectious regardless of diagnosis

Answer

Standard precautions require treating all patient blood and potentially infectious materials as if infected regardless of the patient's known disease status, reducing transmission risk for all patients.

NDECC - National Dental Examination of Clinical Competence Practice Test

NDECC - National Dental Examination of Clinical Competence Practice Test

NDECC Infection Control and Sterilization 3