Infection Control and Safety: Essential Knowledge for Dental Assistants

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom of an oral infection?

Accepted Answer

Skin rash

Answer

Pain

Answer

Swelling

Answer

Fever

Question 2

To comply with OSHA regulations, how should contaminated sharps be disposed of?

Accepted Answer

In a designated sharps container, sealed securely when full, and disposed of in a medical waste receptacle

Answer

In an open sharps container without a lid

Answer

In a regular trash can after sealing them in a puncture-resistant container

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT considered a Standard Precaution for preventing the transmission of bloodborne pathogens?

Accepted Answer

Wearing a mask when performing patient care

Answer

Covering open wounds with dressings

Answer

Using gloves when handling blood or other potentially infectious materials

Answer

Washing hands before and after patient contact

Question 4

The process of eliminating all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, from a surface or object is known as:

Accepted Answer

Sterilization

Answer

Sanitization

Answer

Antisepsis

Answer

Disinfection

Question 5

Which of the following methods is recommended for sterilizing dental instruments?

Accepted Answer

Autoclaving

Answer

Chemical disinfection

Answer

Ultraviolet light

Answer

Boiling

Question 6

According to OSHA regulations, which of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) is required to be worn when working in a dental setting?

Accepted Answer

Gloves, mask, and protective eyewear

Answer

Gloves only

Answer

Mask and protective eyewear only

Answer

Gloves and mask only

Question 7

What is the primary use of an antiseptic solution in dental assisting?

Accepted Answer

To kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on living tissue

Answer

To sterilize dental instruments

Answer

To disinfect surfaces

Question 8

What is the immediate action you should take if you accidentally come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials?

Accepted Answer

Immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

Answer

Wait until the end of the day to report the incident

Answer

Apply a bandage and continue working

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Chain of Infection?

Accepted Answer

Patient

Answer

Reservoir

Answer

Pathogen

Answer

Susceptible host

Question 10

What is the primary purpose of a sharps container?

Accepted Answer

To safely dispose of needles, scalpels, and other sharp objects

Answer

To store clean instruments

Answer

To sterilize contaminated materials

Question 11

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of infection control?

Accepted Answer

Prevention is better than cure

Answer

It is impossible to completely eliminate all risks of infection

Answer

Treatment is the most important aspect of infection control

Answer

Patients are always responsible for their own infections

Question 12

Which sterilization method is considered the most effective for dental instruments, ensuring complete elimination of all microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Autoclaving

Answer

Ultrasonic cleaning

Answer

Dry heat sterilization

Answer

Chemical disinfection

Question 13

What is the minimum sterilization time for instruments in an autoclave operating at 121°C (249°F) and 15 psi?

Accepted Answer

20 minutes

Answer

10 minutes

Answer

30 minutes

Answer

45 minutes

Question 14

According to OSHA regulations, which personal protective equipment (PPE) must dental assistants wear when handling blood or saliva?

Accepted Answer

Gloves, mask, and eye protection

Answer

Mask and eye protection only

Answer

Gown and gloves

Answer

Gloves only

Question 15

A patient informs you they have a latex allergy. What is the most appropriate action to take before beginning treatment?

Accepted Answer

Use non-latex gloves and inform the dentist.

Answer

Continue with treatment as usual.

Answer

Advise the patient to take an antihistamine.

Answer

Ask the patient to reschedule the appointment.

Question 16

You discover a broken instrument inside the sterilization pouch after the autoclave cycle. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Discard the instrument and sterilize a new one.

Answer

Clean the instrument and sterilize it again.

Answer

Use the instrument after a thorough cleaning.

Answer

Report the incident to the dentist.

Question 17

What is the primary function of a high-speed handpiece in dental procedures?

Accepted Answer

To remove tooth structure quickly and efficiently.

Answer

To apply dental sealants.

Answer

To polish teeth.

Answer

To place fillings.

Question 18

Which of the following is a common symptom of a latex allergy?

Accepted Answer

Skin rash

Answer

High blood pressure

Answer

Muscle cramps

Answer

Tooth decay

Question 19

What is the correct sequence of steps for handwashing before a dental procedure?

Accepted Answer

Wet hands, apply soap, scrub for 20 seconds, rinse, dry with paper towel.

Answer

Wet hands, scrub for 20 seconds, rinse, dry with a cloth towel.

Answer

Wet hands, scrub for 15 seconds, apply soap, rinse, dry with paper towel.

Answer

Apply soap, wet hands, scrub for 10 seconds, rinse, dry with a cloth towel.

Question 20

During a dental procedure, a patient experiences a syncopal episode (fainting). What is the most immediate action you should take?

Accepted Answer

Place the patient in a supine position and monitor vital signs.

Answer

Administer oxygen immediately.

Answer

Elevate the patient's legs.

Answer

Call 911.

Question 21

What is the primary purpose of using a dental dam during a procedure?

Accepted Answer

Isolate the operative tooth and protect it from saliva and debris.

Answer

To hold the instruments in place.

Answer

To provide pain relief.

Answer

To prevent infection.

Question 22

A dental assistant is preparing for a procedure that requires the use of a handpiece. Which of the following is the MOST important step to ensure infection control?

Accepted Answer

Sterilizing the handpiece before use.

Answer

Wearing gloves during the procedure.

Answer

Disinfecting the patient's chair after the procedure.

Answer

Using a new sterile needle for each injection.

Question 23

According to OSHA regulations, what is the proper way to dispose of a contaminated needle?

Accepted Answer

Place the needle in a puncture-resistant sharps container.

Answer

Discard the needle in the regular trash.

Answer

Rinse the needle with disinfectant before discarding it.

Question 24

A patient experiences a syncopal episode during a dental procedure. Which of the following is the FIRST step the dental assistant should take?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the patient's airway is clear.

Answer

Administer oxygen.

Answer

Call for emergency medical services.

Question 25

Which of the following is an example of a HIGH-level disinfectant used in dental offices?

Accepted Answer

Glutaraldehyde.

Answer

Hydrogen peroxide.

Answer

Bleach.

Answer

Isopropyl alcohol.

Question 26

A dental assistant is preparing to use a dental impression tray. What should they do to ensure proper infection control?

Accepted Answer

Wrap the tray in a barrier material.

Answer

Rinse the tray with water after each use.

Answer

Sterilize the tray before each use.

Answer

Disinfect the tray with isopropyl alcohol.

Question 27

What is the MINIMUM time recommended for handwashing with soap and water?

Accepted Answer

20 seconds.

Answer

30 seconds.

Answer

10 seconds.

Answer

45 seconds.

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT considered a personal protective equipment (PPE) item in a dental setting?

Accepted Answer

Disposable bibs.

Answer

Protective eyewear.

Answer

Gloves.

Question 29

A dental assistant is assisting with a procedure involving a patient who has a known history of hepatitis B. What type of precautions should the assistant take?

Accepted Answer

Standard precautions.

Answer

Contact precautions.

Answer

Airborne precautions.

Answer

Droplet precautions.

Question 30

A dental assistant notices a crack in a pair of protective gloves. What should they do?

Accepted Answer

Immediately remove and discard the gloves, and put on a new pair.

Answer

Continue using the gloves, but be extra careful.

Answer

Try to seal the crack with tape.

Question 31

What is the primary purpose of a dental dam during a procedure?

Accepted Answer

To isolate the operating field and prevent contamination.

Answer

To help control bleeding.

Answer

To provide patient comfort.