Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Exam 2026 |
Chairside & Infection Control Q&A
1. What is the best method for preventing disease transmission in the dental office?
Answer: Proper hand hygiene
Rationale: Handwashing is the first line of defense against cross-contamination.
2. Which organization publishes infection control recommendations for dentistry?
Answer: CDC
Rationale: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention develops national infection
prevention guidelines.
3. What PPE is required during procedures producing aerosols?
Answer: Mask, gloves, protective eyewear, and gown
Rationale: Aerosols may contain infectious microorganisms.
4. What is the purpose of sterilization?
Answer: To destroy all microorganisms including spores
Rationale: Sterilization is stronger than disinfection.
5. Which sterilizer uses steam under pressure?
Answer: Autoclave
Rationale: Steam sterilization is widely used in dentistry.
6. What color bag is commonly used for regulated medical waste?
Answer: Red
Rationale: Red bags identify biohazard waste.
7. Which hepatitis poses the greatest occupational risk to dental workers?
Answer: Hepatitis B
Rationale: HBV spreads through blood and saliva exposure.
8. What should be done first after a needlestick injury?
Answer: Wash the area immediately
Rationale: Immediate cleansing reduces contamination risk.
9. Which disinfectant level is recommended for clinical contact surfaces?
, Answer: Intermediate-level disinfectant
Rationale: It is effective against TB and viruses.
10. What is the minimum time for handwashing with soap and water?
Answer: 20 seconds
Rationale: Adequate friction removes pathogens effectively.
11. What does OSHA stand for?
Answer: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Rationale: OSHA regulates workplace safety standards.
12. What is cross-contamination?
Answer: Transfer of microorganisms from one person/object to another
Rationale: Common in improperly disinfected environments.
13. Which item is considered single-use?
Answer: Saliva ejector
Rationale: Disposable items cannot be sterilized safely.
14. When should gloves be changed?
Answer: Between every patient
Rationale: Prevents transfer of microorganisms.
15. What monitors sterilization effectiveness biologically?
Answer: Spore test
Rationale: Biological indicators confirm sterilization success.
16. Which disease is airborne?
Answer: Tuberculosis
Rationale: TB spreads through airborne particles.
17. What does “universal precautions” mean?
Answer: Treat all blood/body fluids as infectious
Rationale: Protects both patients and staff.
18. Which surface is considered a clinical contact surface?
Answer: Dental light handle
Chairside & Infection Control Q&A
1. What is the best method for preventing disease transmission in the dental office?
Answer: Proper hand hygiene
Rationale: Handwashing is the first line of defense against cross-contamination.
2. Which organization publishes infection control recommendations for dentistry?
Answer: CDC
Rationale: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention develops national infection
prevention guidelines.
3. What PPE is required during procedures producing aerosols?
Answer: Mask, gloves, protective eyewear, and gown
Rationale: Aerosols may contain infectious microorganisms.
4. What is the purpose of sterilization?
Answer: To destroy all microorganisms including spores
Rationale: Sterilization is stronger than disinfection.
5. Which sterilizer uses steam under pressure?
Answer: Autoclave
Rationale: Steam sterilization is widely used in dentistry.
6. What color bag is commonly used for regulated medical waste?
Answer: Red
Rationale: Red bags identify biohazard waste.
7. Which hepatitis poses the greatest occupational risk to dental workers?
Answer: Hepatitis B
Rationale: HBV spreads through blood and saliva exposure.
8. What should be done first after a needlestick injury?
Answer: Wash the area immediately
Rationale: Immediate cleansing reduces contamination risk.
9. Which disinfectant level is recommended for clinical contact surfaces?
, Answer: Intermediate-level disinfectant
Rationale: It is effective against TB and viruses.
10. What is the minimum time for handwashing with soap and water?
Answer: 20 seconds
Rationale: Adequate friction removes pathogens effectively.
11. What does OSHA stand for?
Answer: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Rationale: OSHA regulates workplace safety standards.
12. What is cross-contamination?
Answer: Transfer of microorganisms from one person/object to another
Rationale: Common in improperly disinfected environments.
13. Which item is considered single-use?
Answer: Saliva ejector
Rationale: Disposable items cannot be sterilized safely.
14. When should gloves be changed?
Answer: Between every patient
Rationale: Prevents transfer of microorganisms.
15. What monitors sterilization effectiveness biologically?
Answer: Spore test
Rationale: Biological indicators confirm sterilization success.
16. Which disease is airborne?
Answer: Tuberculosis
Rationale: TB spreads through airborne particles.
17. What does “universal precautions” mean?
Answer: Treat all blood/body fluids as infectious
Rationale: Protects both patients and staff.
18. Which surface is considered a clinical contact surface?
Answer: Dental light handle
