DANB Infection Control Exam: Key Questions and Protocols

Minimum temperature and time for steam sterilization in an autoclave

121°C (250°F) for 15-30 minutes.

Best sterilization for heat-sensitive instruments

Chemical vapor sterilization or ethylene oxide gas.

Protocol if a biological indicator (spore test) fails

Remove the sterilizer from service, reprocess instruments, and investigate.

Frequency of biological monitoring (spore testing)

Weekly.

Purpose of mechanical indicators in sterilization

They monitor temperature, pressure, and cycle time during sterilization.

Duration for instruments in glutaraldehyde solution for sterilization

6-10 hours, depending on manufacturer instructions.

Type of water used in autoclaves

Distilled water.

Storage method for sterilized pouches

In a clean, dry area, away from potential contamination.

Primary cause of sterilization failure

Improper cleaning or overloading of instruments.

Reason chemical indicators on pouches should not be relied on alone

They confirm exposure to heat, not sterility.

Frequency of changing ultrasonic solutions

Daily or sooner if visibly contaminated.

Correct time and temperature for dry heat sterilization

160°C (320°F) for 1-2 hours.

Solution used for pre-soaking instruments

Enzymatic cleaner or detergent solution.

Frequency of sterilizing dental handpieces

Between every patient use.

Purpose of the sterilization log

To track cycle completion and results of biological monitoring.

Duration to flush dental unit waterlines after a boil advisory

1-5 minutes.

What Standard Precautions protect against

Bloodborne and other infectious diseases.

Correct order for donning PPE

Gown → Mask → Goggles → Gloves.

Duration for washing hands after contact with blood or visibly soiled surfaces

At least 40-60 seconds.

Frequency of disinfecting high-touch clinical surfaces

After every patient.

Primary function of an HVE (High-Volume Evacuator)

To reduce aerosols and spatter during procedures.

Protocol for handling utility gloves

Wash, disinfect, and inspect them after each use.

When to change PPE during patient care

If it becomes visibly soiled or wet.

Duration to flush dental waterlines at the start of the day

2 minutes.

Level of disinfectant for clinical contact surfaces

Intermediate-level disinfectant.

Steps following a needlestick injury

Wash the area, report the incident, and seek medical evaluation.

Type of PPE during ultrasonic cleaning

Utility gloves, mask, gown, and eye protection.

Function of pre-procedural mouth rinses

To reduce the patient's microbial load.

When alcohol-based hand sanitizer is acceptable for use

When hands are not visibly soiled.

Type of gloves used during oral surgery

Sterile surgical gloves.

What OSHA regulates in dental offices

Workplace safety, including the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

Role of the FDA in infection control

Regulates medical devices, sterilizers, gloves, and PPE.

What the CDC provides for dental settings

Guidelines and recommendations for infection control.

What the EPA oversees in dental practices

Environmental protection and safety regulations.

EPA oversight in dental practices

Chemical disinfectants, sterilants, and amalgam disposal.

NIOSH role in PPE

Approves respirators like N95 masks.

ADA recommendation for waterline microbial levels

Less than 500 CFU/mL.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) requirement

OSHA.

Organization enforcing hazardous waste disposal guidelines

EPA.

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard requirements

Chemical labeling, SDS, and employee training.

Purpose of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

To minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Transmission of Hepatitis A

Fecal-oral route, often from contaminated food or water.

Primary transmission route of Hepatitis B

Bloodborne transmission.

Concern for dental workers regarding Hepatitis B

It is highly transmissible and can survive on surfaces for 7 days.

Common transmission of Hepatitis C

Bloodborne, often through needles.

Uniqueness of Hepatitis D

It requires co-infection with Hepatitis B.

Transmission of Hepatitis E

Through contaminated water.

Hepatitis types with available vaccines

Hepatitis A and B.

Primary spread of tuberculosis (TB)

Through airborne droplets.

Bloodborne virus with highest occupational transmission risk

Hepatitis B (HBV).

Transmission route of HIV in dental settings

Percutaneous injuries (e.g., needlesticks).

Sharps containers replacement frequency

When they are ¾ full.

Disposal method for blood-soaked gauze

In a biohazard-labeled, leak-proof container.

Protocol for disposing of dental amalgam waste

In a sealed, labeled amalgam-specific container.

Requirement for prostheses before lab return

They must be disinfected.

Disinfectant required for blood spills

Intermediate-level disinfectant (e.g., tuberculocidal).

Proper storage method for regulated waste

In a labeled, leak-proof, biohazard container.

Main hazard of improper sharps handling

Bloodborne pathogen exposure.

Cleaning method for broken glass in clinical area

Use tongs or a brush and dustpan (not hands).

Importance of using barriers on clinical surfaces

To prevent cross-contamination.

Disinfectant level for surfaces contaminated with blood

Intermediate-level disinfectant.

Cause of biofilm buildup in waterlines

Stagnant water and microbial growth.

Frequency of shocking waterlines to remove biofilm

Monthly or as per manufacturer recommendations.

Acceptable microbial count in dental unit water

Less than 500 CFU/mL.

Most common route of cross-contamination in dentistry

Direct contact with contaminated surfaces or blood.

Classification of clinical contact surfaces

Surfaces that are frequently touched during procedures.

Reason disposable items must not be reused

They are not designed for sterilization and pose an infection risk.

Purpose of single-use PPE

To prevent cross-contamination and ensure safety.

Action dental staff must take before leaving clinical area

Remove PPE and wash hands.

Transport method for contaminated instruments to sterilization areas

In a leak-proof, puncture-resistant container.

Role of high-volume evacuation (HVE)

To reduce aerosols and splatter.

Storage method for PPE

In a clean, dry, and easily accessible area.

Main purpose of EPA-registered disinfectants

To kill microorganisms on clinical surfaces.

Use of N95 respirators in dental settings

To protect against airborne particles during high-risk procedures.