Infection Control in the Dental Office – Exam Review

These question-and-answer flashcards summarize major infection-control principles from Chapters 1–5, covering the chain of infection, PPE, instrument classification, sterilization and disinfection methods, environmental surface management, waste disposal, waterline maintenance, radiographic precautions, and sharps safety.

Which three elements form the ‘chain of infection’ that must all be present for disease transmission?

A causative agent (pathogen), a susceptible host, and a mode of transmission.

What happens if any one link in the chain of infection is broken?

The disease cannot spread.

How can personal protective equipment (PPE) affect the chain of infection?

PPE helps eliminate or block the mode of transmission by creating a physical barrier.

Name four vaccines strongly recommended by the CDC for dental personnel.

Influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella).

What immediate action is required after exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material?

A confidential post-exposure evaluation and follow-up following the office’s written protocol.

Define Standard Precautions.

An infection-control approach that treats all blood and body fluids as though they are infectious.

List the four main categories of PPE used in dentistry.

Protective eyewear or face shield, protective clothing (gown/lab coat/apron), mask, and gloves.

Why must protective eyewear be cleaned with soap and water after use?

To remove spatter and prevent cross-contamination of mucous membranes.

When does OSHA require a gown with long sleeves?

During procedures likely to produce spatter or spray of blood or body fluids.

How often should masks be changed in a dental operatory?

Between patients and whenever they become wet or visibly soiled.

What should be done if a glove tears during treatment?

Remove gloves, wash hands with antimicrobial soap, and reglove before continuing.

Why are utility gloves not acceptable for patient care?

They are designed for disinfection/cleanup, not direct patient contact.

What alternative is recommended for workers or patients with latex allergy?

Use non-latex (e.g., nitrile) gloves and other latex-free products.

Give two examples of oral surgery procedures that require sterile technique.

Tooth extraction and periodontal surgery (biopsy also acceptable).

Why should sterile surgical gloves be worn for oral surgery?

To maintain asepsis when entering normally sterile oral or vascular tissues.

What type of water should be delivered during surgical procedures?

Sterile water delivered through a sterile or autoclavable water system.

Define ‘critical item’ in instrument classification.

An instrument that penetrates soft tissue, contacts bone, or enters the bloodstream—highest disease-transmission risk.

Provide two examples of critical instruments.

Scalers and surgical burs (other acceptable: forceps, bone chisels).

How must critical items be processed after each use?

They must be discarded if disposable or sterilized if reusable.

What distinguishes semi-critical from non-critical items?

Semi-critical contacts mucous membranes or non-intact skin without penetrating, whereas non-critical contacts intact skin only.

Give two examples of semi-critical items.

Mouth mirrors and dental handpieces.

How are heat-sensitive semi-critical items decontaminated?

With a high-level disinfectant according to manufacturer instructions.

Define ‘cleaning’ in the decontamination process.

Physical removal of debris and reduction of microorganisms from instruments or surfaces.

Why is effective cleaning essential before sterilization?

Residual debris can shield microorganisms and compromise sterilization efficacy.

What three primary sterilization methods are used in dentistry?

Steam (autoclave), dry heat, and unsaturated chemical vapor.

State one major advantage and one disadvantage of steam sterilization.

Advantage: Fast, reliable, and economical. Disadvantage: Can cause corrosion or dulling of instruments.

Why might dry heat sterilization be selected over steam?

It causes no rust or corrosion and is suitable for items damaged by moisture.

Name one disadvantage of dry heat sterilization.

Longer processing time and potential heat damage to some items.

List two advantages of unsaturated chemical vapor sterilization.

Fast cycle time and no rust/corrosion of metal instruments.

What important safety requirement accompanies chemical vapor sterilizers?

Good ventilation and proper disposal of chemical solutions as hazardous waste.

Identify the four ideal areas in an instrument processing room.

1) Receiving/cleaning/decontamination, 2) Preparation & packaging, 3) Sterilization, 4) Storage.

Which type of gloves should be worn when manually scrubbing instruments?

Puncture-resistant (utility) gloves.

What do external and internal chemical indicators assess?

Whether the sterilization package reached correct time and temperature conditions.

Why must items be resterilized if indicators fail?

Because proper sterilization conditions were not achieved, leaving risk of contamination.

Differentiate between high-, intermediate-, and low-level disinfectants on tuberculocidal activity.

High and intermediate disinfectants kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis; low-level disinfectants do not.

When should an intermediate-level disinfectant be used on a clinical contact surface?

Whenever the surface is contaminated with visible blood or other potentially infectious material.

Why are housekeeping surfaces (walls/floors) considered low risk?

They have minimal chance of direct contamination with patient fluids.

Define regulated medical waste in the dental office.

Items soaked/dripping with blood or OPIM, sharps, or potentially infectious materials requiring special disposal.

What CFU/mL limit for dental unit water is recommended by the CDC?

≤ 500 colony-forming units per milliliter.

How long should dental unit water lines be flushed between patients?

For 20–30 seconds.

Describe the required disinfection process for dental impressions sent to a lab.

Rinse under running water, disinfect with an intermediate-level disinfectant, document agent and exposure time.

What pre-treatment operatory preparation helps reduce infection risks?

Remove unessential items, place barriers, and set up only needed instruments and supplies before the patient arrives.

Why should barriers be preferred on radiographic equipment?

They protect hard-to-clean surfaces and allow rapid turnover between patients.

Explain the neutral-zone technique for passing sharps.

Place sharps on a designated tray/zone rather than hand-to-hand to avoid accidental injuries.

What is the CDC’s stance on two-handed needle recapping?

It is discouraged; use single-hand scoop or a recapping device instead.

Why must masks be removed by the strings or elastic only?

To prevent touching the potentially contaminated mask surface with gloved or bare hands.

What document explains state or OSHA rules for disposing of regulated waste?

The ADA (American Dental Association) Regulatory Compliance Manual.

Which monitoring method provides the best proof of sterilization?

Biological indicators (spore tests).