Infection Prevention and Control Flashcards

According to the Spaulding classification system used in Canadian dental infection control, how are dental handpieces classified and what level of processing do they require?

Answer: Semi-critical items requiring heat sterilization because they contact mucous membranes and are contaminated with blood

Although dental handpieces are classified as semi-critical devices, Canadian dental infection control guidelines require heat sterilization (not just high-level disinfection) because handpieces can aspirate contaminated material internally and contact mucous membranes in a blood-contaminated environment.

What is the correct order for donning (putting on) personal protective equipment (PPE) before a dental procedure?

Answer: Gown, mask, eyewear, gloves

The correct donning sequence is: gown first (to protect clothing), then mask (must be fitted before gloving), then protective eyewear (placed over mask straps), and gloves last (to cover gown cuffs and create a seal).

During instrument processing, what is the purpose of running biological indicators (spore tests) in the sterilizer?

Answer: To verify that the sterilizer is actually killing microorganisms, including the most resistant bacterial spores

Biological indicators contain standardized populations of highly resistant bacterial spores (Geobacillus stearothermophilus for steam autoclaves). If the sterilizer kills these spores, it confirms the sterilization process is effective against all microbial life.

What is the minimum exposure time for a gravity displacement steam autoclave operating at 121°C (250°F) for wrapped instrument packs?

Answer: 30 minutes

Gravity displacement autoclaves require 30 minutes at 121°C for wrapped instruments. This is longer than prevacuum autoclaves (which require only 4 minutes at 132°C) because gravity displacement relies on gravity to remove air from the chamber.

A dental assistant sustains a needlestick injury from a contaminated anaesthetic needle during instrument cleanup. What is the immediate first step?

Answer: Immediately wash the wound with soap and water, allow bleeding, then report the exposure following the office's post-exposure protocol

The immediate response to a needlestick injury is to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water (do not use bleach or inject antiseptics into the wound), allow it to bleed freely, and then immediately initiate the post-exposure protocol including reporting to the designated person and seeking medical evaluation.

What concentration of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution is recommended for cleaning blood spills on environmental surfaces in a dental operatory?

Answer: 1:10 dilution (0.5%) or approximately 5,000 ppm available chlorine

For blood spills, a 1:10 dilution of sodium hypochlorite (approximately 5,000 ppm available chlorine) is recommended. This concentration is effective against bloodborne pathogens including HIV and HBV on environmental surfaces.