NC Dental Laws and Infection Control Exam
Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales 2026 Latest
Update
1. What is the main purpose of standard precautions in dentistry?
A. Reduce paperwork
B. Prevent disease transmission
C. Improve scheduling
D. Increase production
Answer: B. Prevent disease transmission
Rationale: Standard precautions are infection-control practices designed to prevent
transmission of infectious diseases between patients and dental healthcare workers.
2. Which organization publishes infection-control recommendations for dental settings?
A. OSHA
B. FDA
C. CDC
D. EPA
Answer: C. CDC
Rationale: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides evidence-based
infection-control guidelines used in dental offices.
3. Instruments that penetrate soft tissue or bone are classified as:
A. Non-critical
B. Semi-critical
C. Critical
D. Disposable
Answer: C. Critical
Rationale: Critical instruments carry the highest risk of infection transmission and must be
heat sterilized after each use.
4. What is the minimum recommended method for sterilizing dental instruments?
,A. Wiping with alcohol
B. Heat sterilization
C. Soap and water
D. Surface disinfection only
Answer: B. Heat sterilization
Rationale: Heat sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, making
it the standard for reusable dental instruments.
5. Which PPE protects the mucous membranes of the eyes?
A. Gloves
B. Gowns
C. Eyewear
D. Shoe covers
Answer: C. Eyewear
Rationale: Protective eyewear shields the eyes from splashes, debris, and contaminated
aerosols.
6. Which disease is considered bloodborne?
A. Influenza
B. Tuberculosis
C. Hepatitis B
D. Common cold
Answer: C. Hepatitis B
Rationale: Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through blood and contaminated sharps
exposure.
7. What should be done immediately after a needlestick injury?
A. Ignore it
B. Wash area and report exposure
C. Continue working
D. Cover with makeup
Answer: B. Wash area and report exposure
, Rationale: Immediate washing and reporting ensures prompt medical evaluation and
compliance with exposure-control procedures.
8. Which item belongs in a sharps container?
A. Cotton rolls
B. Gloves
C. Needles
D. Paper towels
Answer: C. Needles
Rationale: Sharps containers are designed for safe disposal of contaminated sharp
instruments.
9. Semi-critical instruments contact:
A. Intact skin only
B. Mucous membranes
C. Floors
D. Dental charts
Answer: B. Mucous membranes
Rationale: Semi-critical items contact mucous membranes but do not penetrate soft tissues.
10. What is cross-contamination?
A. Proper sterilization
B. Transfer of microorganisms from one source to another
C. Handwashing
D. Taking radiographs
Answer: B. Transfer of microorganisms from one source to another
Rationale: Cross-contamination occurs when pathogens spread between people, surfaces, or
instruments.
11. Which agency enforces workplace safety regulations?
A. CDC
B. OSHA
C. ADA
Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales 2026 Latest
Update
1. What is the main purpose of standard precautions in dentistry?
A. Reduce paperwork
B. Prevent disease transmission
C. Improve scheduling
D. Increase production
Answer: B. Prevent disease transmission
Rationale: Standard precautions are infection-control practices designed to prevent
transmission of infectious diseases between patients and dental healthcare workers.
2. Which organization publishes infection-control recommendations for dental settings?
A. OSHA
B. FDA
C. CDC
D. EPA
Answer: C. CDC
Rationale: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides evidence-based
infection-control guidelines used in dental offices.
3. Instruments that penetrate soft tissue or bone are classified as:
A. Non-critical
B. Semi-critical
C. Critical
D. Disposable
Answer: C. Critical
Rationale: Critical instruments carry the highest risk of infection transmission and must be
heat sterilized after each use.
4. What is the minimum recommended method for sterilizing dental instruments?
,A. Wiping with alcohol
B. Heat sterilization
C. Soap and water
D. Surface disinfection only
Answer: B. Heat sterilization
Rationale: Heat sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, making
it the standard for reusable dental instruments.
5. Which PPE protects the mucous membranes of the eyes?
A. Gloves
B. Gowns
C. Eyewear
D. Shoe covers
Answer: C. Eyewear
Rationale: Protective eyewear shields the eyes from splashes, debris, and contaminated
aerosols.
6. Which disease is considered bloodborne?
A. Influenza
B. Tuberculosis
C. Hepatitis B
D. Common cold
Answer: C. Hepatitis B
Rationale: Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through blood and contaminated sharps
exposure.
7. What should be done immediately after a needlestick injury?
A. Ignore it
B. Wash area and report exposure
C. Continue working
D. Cover with makeup
Answer: B. Wash area and report exposure
, Rationale: Immediate washing and reporting ensures prompt medical evaluation and
compliance with exposure-control procedures.
8. Which item belongs in a sharps container?
A. Cotton rolls
B. Gloves
C. Needles
D. Paper towels
Answer: C. Needles
Rationale: Sharps containers are designed for safe disposal of contaminated sharp
instruments.
9. Semi-critical instruments contact:
A. Intact skin only
B. Mucous membranes
C. Floors
D. Dental charts
Answer: B. Mucous membranes
Rationale: Semi-critical items contact mucous membranes but do not penetrate soft tissues.
10. What is cross-contamination?
A. Proper sterilization
B. Transfer of microorganisms from one source to another
C. Handwashing
D. Taking radiographs
Answer: B. Transfer of microorganisms from one source to another
Rationale: Cross-contamination occurs when pathogens spread between people, surfaces, or
instruments.
11. Which agency enforces workplace safety regulations?
A. CDC
B. OSHA
C. ADA
