Infection Control Flashcards
7 cards from real Dental practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Infection Control flashcards as text
How often should a dental sterilizer be tested with a biological (spore) indicator at minimum?
Answer: Weekly
The CDC recommends spore testing dental sterilizers at least weekly.
What should be done immediately after a sharps injury exposes a dental worker to a patient's blood?
Answer: Wash the wound with soap and water and report it
The wound should be washed with soap and water and the exposure reported for evaluation per the protocol.
Which method is preferred for cleaning instruments before sterilization to reduce sharps injury risk?
Answer: An ultrasonic cleaner or instrument washer
Automated cleaning like ultrasonic units reduces handling of contaminated sharps and improves cleaning.
What is the correct way to recap a needle when recapping is necessary?
Answer: Use a one-handed scoop technique or a recapping device
A one-handed scoop technique or mechanical device prevents accidental sticks during recapping.
Which waterline contaminant is a primary concern in dental unit water that requires regular treatment?
Answer: Biofilm harboring bacteria such as Legionella
Biofilm in dental unit waterlines can harbor pathogens like Legionella, requiring routine treatment and monitoring.
What CFU/mL standard does the CDC recommend for dental unit water used in non-surgical procedures?
Answer: Less than or equal to 500 CFU/mL
Dental unit water for routine procedures should meet the drinking water standard of ≤500 CFU/mL.
Why must sterile saline or sterile water be used as a coolant during oral surgical procedures?
Answer: Regular dental unit water may contain microorganisms unsafe for surgical wounds
Surgical procedures expose bone and tissue, so only sterile irrigants should contact the wound.