NDHCE Infection Control and Safety 3

Question 1

The rubber dam is used during dental procedures primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Isolate the operative field and reduce aerosol contamination

Answer

The rubber dam isolates the tooth being treated from saliva, reduces aerosol-borne microbial contamination, and improves operator access and visibility.

Question 2

Which OSHA standard requires dental employers to provide the Hepatitis B vaccine to exposed employees at no cost?

Accepted Answer

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)

Answer

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires employers to offer the Hepatitis B vaccination series to all employees with occupational exposure at no cost within 10 days of initial assignment.

Question 3

A used dental impression should be treated as:

Accepted Answer

A potentially infectious item that should be rinsed and disinfected before sending to the lab

Answer

All dental impressions should be treated as potentially infectious and must be rinsed of blood/saliva, disinfected with an appropriate disinfectant, and properly packaged before sending to the dental laboratory.

Question 4

What type of waste is generated when a dental hygienist disposes of extracted teeth with amalgam restorations?

Accepted Answer

Amalgam waste requiring special disposal

Answer

Extracted teeth containing amalgam restorations are considered amalgam waste due to mercury content and must be disposed of through an EPA-compliant amalgam waste recycling program.

Question 5

Which hand hygiene method is MOST effective for reducing the number of microorganisms on hands before surgical procedures?

Accepted Answer

Surgical hand antisepsis using antiseptic soap or alcohol-based product with persistent activity

Answer

Surgical hand antisepsis uses a specific technique and antiseptic agent with residual (persistent) antimicrobial activity to reduce microorganisms to a minimum before surgical procedures.

NDHCE - National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination Practice Test

NDHCE - National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination Practice Test

NDHCE Infection Control and Safety 3