ADEX Dental Hygiene Infection Control and Safety Questions and Answers

Question 1

A dental hygienist sustains a percutaneous injury with a contaminated scaler immediately after treating a patient. According to CDC guidelines, what is the IMMEDIATE first step the hygienist should take?

Accepted Answer

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.

Answer

The CDC's immediate first aid recommendation for a percutaneous injury is to wash the wound with soap and water. Reporting the incident and seeking a medical evaluation for potential PEP are critical subsequent steps, but the very first action is local wound care. Squeezing the wound is not recommended as it may cause additional tissue trauma.

Question 2

Which of the following is considered the most definitive or 'gold standard' method for verifying the effectiveness of a sterilization cycle?

Accepted Answer

Biological indicators (spore tests)

Answer

Biological indicators (spore tests) are the highest standard for sterilization monitoring because they directly challenge the sterilizer's ability to kill highly resistant microorganisms, such as Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. A negative result confirms the sterilization process was lethal. Chemical and mechanical monitoring only indicate that certain physical conditions were met but do not directly prove microbial death.

Question 3

An environmental surface disinfectant is classified by the EPA as intermediate-level. Which of the following properties is required for this classification?

Accepted Answer

It must have a tuberculocidal claim.

Answer

The benchmark for an EPA-registered intermediate-level disinfectant is its ability to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This tuberculocidal claim indicates the disinfectant is potent enough for surfaces contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials. High-level disinfectants are sporicidal.

Question 4

A dental hygienist is preparing to perform a procedure that is expected to generate significant aerosols. According to CDC guidelines for standard precautions, what is the correct sequence for donning (putting on) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Accepted Answer

Gown, Mask, Eyewear, Gloves

Answer

The CDC recommends a specific sequence for donning PPE to minimize self-contamination. The correct order is gown first, then mask or respirator, followed by goggles or face shield, and finally gloves. This sequence generally moves from the body upwards, with gloves being applied last.

Question 5

According to the CDC, what is the maximum acceptable level of heterotrophic bacteria, measured in colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL), for routine dental treatment water?

Accepted Answer

500 CFU/mL

Answer

The CDC states that for routine, non-surgical dental procedures, the water used should meet the EPA's regulatory standard for safe drinking water, which is ≤500 CFU/mL of heterotrophic bacteria.

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX Dental Hygiene Infection Control and Safety Questions and Answers