NDAEB Infection Prevention and Control Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to Canadian dental standards, what is the primary purpose of using a biological indicator (spore test) in a sterilizer?

Accepted Answer

To confirm that the sterilization process is effectively killing highly resistant microorganisms.

Answer

Biological indicators (BIs), which contain highly resistant bacterial spores, are the most accepted method for monitoring the effectiveness of the sterilization process. A negative result from a BI confirms that the sterilizer is capable of killing microbial life, which is the ultimate goal of sterilization.

Question 2

A dental assistant is reprocessing instruments after a procedure. Which of the following is the correct first step in the instrument reprocessing cycle?

Accepted Answer

Careful cleaning of the instruments to remove bioburden.

Answer

Thorough cleaning of instruments to remove all visible debris and bioburden must be completed before any disinfection or sterilization process. If debris is present, it can shield microorganisms from the sterilant, compromising the effectiveness of the entire process.

Question 3

During a restorative procedure involving a high-speed handpiece, a patient coughs, creating aerosols. According to Routine Practices in Canada, what minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should the dental assistant be wearing?

Accepted Answer

Gloves, a fluid-resistant gown, a procedure mask with a visor or safety glasses.

Answer

Procedures that generate aerosols require the use of full PPE to protect the dental healthcare provider. This includes gloves to prevent contact with infectious materials, a fluid-resistant gown to protect clothing and skin, and a mask and eye protection (visor or glasses) to shield the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth from splatter and aerosols.

Question 4

Which of the following items is classified as semi-critical in a dental setting and requires, at minimum, high-level disinfection, but preferably heat sterilization?

Accepted Answer

A reusable impression tray.

Answer

Semi-critical items are those that come into contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes but do not penetrate soft tissue. A reusable impression tray fits this description. Surgical scalpels are critical items, the light handle is a non-critical surface (often protected by a barrier), and a blood pressure cuff is a non-critical item that contacts intact skin.

Question 5

The concept of 'Routine Practices' in Canadian infection control is based on which fundamental principle?

Accepted Answer

All patients are considered potentially infectious, regardless of their medical history.

Answer

Routine Practices (equivalent to Standard Precautions) are based on the principle that all patients are potentially infectious, as it is not always possible to know a patient's infection status. This approach ensures that a consistent level of infection control is applied to all patients at all times, minimizing the risk of transmission.

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

NDAEB Infection Prevention and Control Questions and Answers