NDECC Infection Control and Sterilization 2 ā Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'spaulding classification' refer to in dental infection control?
- A rating system for personal protective equipment
- A framework for categorizing dental instruments by sterilization or disinfection level required (Correct answer)
- A scale for measuring microbial contamination on surfaces
- A federal guideline for dental waste disposal
Correct answer: A framework for categorizing dental instruments by sterilization or disinfection level required
The Spaulding classification categorizes items as critical, semicritical, or noncritical based on infection risk, determining the level of sterilization or disinfection required.
Question 2: Under the Spaulding classification, a mouth mirror used during a dental examination is classified as:
- Critical
- Semicritical (Correct answer)
- Noncritical
- Non-reusable
Correct answer: Semicritical
A mouth mirror contacts mucous membranes but does not penetrate tissue, classifying it as semicritical and requiring at minimum high-level disinfection, but preferably sterilization.
Question 3: Which of the following is an acceptable method for monitoring the sterilization process on a routine basis?
- Mechanical indicators (gauges and printouts) only
- Chemical indicators only
- Biological indicators (spore tests) only
- A combination of mechanical, chemical, and biological monitoring (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A combination of mechanical, chemical, and biological monitoring
CDC guidelines recommend using all three types of monitorsāmechanical, chemical, and biologicalātogether to provide a comprehensive check of the sterilization process.
Question 4: How frequently should biological monitoring (spore testing) be performed on a steam autoclave in a dental office?
- Daily
- At least weekly (Correct answer)
- Monthly
- Only after a sterilization failure is suspected
Correct answer: At least weekly
The CDC recommends performing biological monitoring at least weekly to verify autoclave function, as well as with each implantable device load.
Question 5: Contaminated single-use sharps (needles, scalpel blades) generated during dental procedures must be:
- Recapped using a two-handed technique before disposal
- Placed in a puncture-resistant sharps container immediately after use (Correct answer)
- Placed in regular trash if capped
- Autoclaved before being placed in any waste container
Correct answer: Placed in a puncture-resistant sharps container immediately after use
Contaminated sharps must be immediately placed in a closable, puncture-resistant sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries and comply with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
Question 6: A dental assistant experiences a needlestick injury from a contaminated needle. What is the FIRST action that should be taken?
- Report the incident to the office manager
- Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water (Correct answer)
- Apply antiseptic and bandage the wound
- Seek post-exposure prophylaxis from a physician
Correct answer: Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
The first step after a needlestick is to immediately wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 seconds to reduce viral inoculation before reporting and seeking medical evaluation.
Question 7: Which chemical disinfectant class is appropriate for intermediate-level disinfection of clinical contact surfaces in the dental operatory?
- Quaternary ammonium compounds alone
- Alcohol-based hand rubs
- EPA-registered hospital disinfectants with tuberculocidal claim (Correct answer)
- Iodophors diluted for surface use
Correct answer: EPA-registered hospital disinfectants with tuberculocidal claim
EPA-registered hospital disinfectants with a tuberculocidal claim meet the criteria for intermediate-level disinfection, which is required for most clinical contact surfaces.
NDECC Infection Control and Sterilization 2
What does the term 'spaulding classification' refer to in dental infection control?