Infection Control and Safety Flashcards

The rubber dam is used during dental procedures primarily to:

Answer: Isolate the operative field and reduce aerosol contamination

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

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

Answer: Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)

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.

A used dental impression should be treated as:

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

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.

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

Answer: Amalgam waste requiring special disposal

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.

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

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

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

When should gloves be changed during patient treatment?

Answer: Whenever they are visibly soiled or torn, and between patients

Gloves must be changed whenever they are visibly soiled, torn, or punctured during treatment and must always be changed between patients to prevent cross-contamination.