Dental Infection Control

Question 1

What are standard precautions in dental practice?

Accepted Answer

Infection control practices applied to all patients regardless of diagnosis, including PPE, hand hygiene, and sterilization

Answer

Optional safety measures

Answer

Only needed for surgical procedures

Answer

Only for patients with known infections

Question 2

What is an autoclave used for in dentistry?

Accepted Answer

Sterilizing dental instruments using steam under pressure to kill all microorganisms including spores

Answer

Drying instruments

Answer

Sharpening instruments

Answer

Storing instruments

Question 3

When should dental professionals perform hand hygiene?

Accepted Answer

Before and after each patient contact, after removing gloves, and after touching contaminated surfaces

Answer

Only after treating patients

Answer

Only at the start of the day

Answer

Only when hands are visibly dirty

Question 4

What PPE is required for dental procedures that generate aerosols?

Accepted Answer

Gloves, mask (N95 for high-risk), eye protection, face shield, and protective gown

Answer

Gloves only

Answer

Only a surgical mask

Answer

No special PPE is needed

Question 5

What is the proper procedure for handling a sharps injury (needlestick)?

Accepted Answer

Wash the wound immediately, report the incident, identify the source patient, and seek post-exposure evaluation

Answer

Ignore it if the patient is healthy

Answer

Apply a bandage and continue working

Answer

Only report it if you feel sick later

Question 6

What is the 'chain of infection' and why is it important in dentistry?

Accepted Answer

The sequence of events (agent, reservoir, portal of exit, transmission, portal of entry, host) needed for infection to spread — breaking any link prevents transmission

Answer

A jewelry store concept

Answer

A dental instrument chain

Answer

A billing process