DENTAL LAWS, JURISPRUDENCE, AND
INFECTION CONTROL FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to the CDC, which of the following is the correct classification for a dental bur?
A. Non-critical
B. Critical
C. Semi-critical
D. General medical waste
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Critical items are those that penetrate soft tissue or bone and
must be sterilized. Dental burs penetrate tissue/bone, thus falling under the ‘Critical’
category.
2. Which legal doctrine holds the dentist responsible for the negligent acts of their employees
while they are working within the scope of their employment?
A. Res Ipsa Loquitur
B. Stare Decisis
,C. Contributory Negligence
D. Respondeat Superior
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Respondeat Superior, also known as ‘let the master answer,’ is
the doctrine that makes the employer liable for the actions of employees performed during
their job.
3. Which organization is responsible for enforcing the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to
ensure employee safety?
A. OSHA
B. FDA
C. CDC
D. EPA
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: OSHA is a regulatory agency that enforces standards to protect
workers, whereas the CDC provides guidelines but lacks enforcement power.
4. What is the minimum frequency recommended by the CDC for biological monitoring (spore
testing) of an autoclave?
A. Weekly
B. Daily
, C. Monthly
D. Every 10 cycles
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: CDC guidelines state that dental sterilizers should be biologically
monitored at least weekly to ensure effective sterilization.
5. Under HIPAA, which of the following is considered Protected Health Information (PHI)?
A. All of the above
B. A patient’s clinical photographs
C. A patient’s social security number
D. A patient’s name and address
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: PHI includes any individually identifiable health information,
including identifiers like names, SSNs, and clinical images.
6. If a dentist performs a procedure without a patient’s consent, they may be held liable for:
A. Negligence
B. Slander
C. Battery
D. Abandonment
INFECTION CONTROL FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to the CDC, which of the following is the correct classification for a dental bur?
A. Non-critical
B. Critical
C. Semi-critical
D. General medical waste
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Critical items are those that penetrate soft tissue or bone and
must be sterilized. Dental burs penetrate tissue/bone, thus falling under the ‘Critical’
category.
2. Which legal doctrine holds the dentist responsible for the negligent acts of their employees
while they are working within the scope of their employment?
A. Res Ipsa Loquitur
B. Stare Decisis
,C. Contributory Negligence
D. Respondeat Superior
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Respondeat Superior, also known as ‘let the master answer,’ is
the doctrine that makes the employer liable for the actions of employees performed during
their job.
3. Which organization is responsible for enforcing the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to
ensure employee safety?
A. OSHA
B. FDA
C. CDC
D. EPA
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: OSHA is a regulatory agency that enforces standards to protect
workers, whereas the CDC provides guidelines but lacks enforcement power.
4. What is the minimum frequency recommended by the CDC for biological monitoring (spore
testing) of an autoclave?
A. Weekly
B. Daily
, C. Monthly
D. Every 10 cycles
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: CDC guidelines state that dental sterilizers should be biologically
monitored at least weekly to ensure effective sterilization.
5. Under HIPAA, which of the following is considered Protected Health Information (PHI)?
A. All of the above
B. A patient’s clinical photographs
C. A patient’s social security number
D. A patient’s name and address
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: PHI includes any individually identifiable health information,
including identifiers like names, SSNs, and clinical images.
6. If a dentist performs a procedure without a patient’s consent, they may be held liable for:
A. Negligence
B. Slander
C. Battery
D. Abandonment
