Iowa Dental Board Infection Control
Study Guide Latest Updated
How can dental patients and dental health care professionals be exposed to pathogenic
microorganisms? - ANS-By bacteria that has colonized or that infects the oral cavity and
respiratory tract.
How can dental patients and dental health care professionals use preventive practices
to reduce blood exposures? - ANS-Careful handling of sharp instruments, use of rubber
dams to minimize blood splatter, hand washing, and use of protective barriers.
What are the modes of transmission of pathogenic
microorganisms in dental settings? - ANS-Direct contact: contact with blood, oral fluids,
or other patient materials
Indirect contact: contact with contaminated objects
Spatter: contact with conjunctival, nasal, or oral mucosa droplets containing
microorganisms generated from an infected person and propelled a short distance
Inhalation: contact with airborne microorganisms that can remain in the air for long
periods of time
Why is it important in dentistry to have an understanding of spores? - ANS-Since spores
are the most resistant form of life known, we know that if spores are destroyed during
infection control that all other forms of life are as well.
What is recommended in the case of a positive spore test? - ANS-In the case of a
positive spore test, the sterilizer should be removed from service and all records of
physical and chemical monitoring since the last negative BI test should be reviewed. If
packaging and loading, and all operating procedures have been confirmed as
performing correctly and the repeat BI test is positive, the sterilizer should remain out of
service until it has been inspected, repaired, and re-challenged with BI test.
What does the term standard precautions mean? - ANS-Integrate and expand the
elements of universal precautions into a standard of care designed to protect HCP and
patients from pathogens that can spread by blood or any body fluids, secretions and
excretions.
Standard precautions include what practices? - ANS-Hand hygiene, use of gloves,
gown, mask, eye protection or face shield, depending on the anticipated exposure, and
safe injection practices.
, What should be done if there is exposure to a bloodborne pathogen? - ANS-Wash the
needle stick injuries, cuts, and exposed skin with soap and water
Flush splashes of blood or any other body fluids to the nose and mouth with water.
Irrigate eyes with clean water or saline.
Immediately report the incident to your employer.
Follow the steps in the exposure control plan for confidential medical evaluation and
follow up.
Post-exposure care will be paid for by the employer.
How often should dental health care personnel immunization records be updated? -
ANS-On a regular basis, it depends on the employer to say when.
What is the major source of microorganisms in the dental office? - ANS-Saliva,
respiratory secretions, and blood in the mouth of patients.
What destroys or inhibits some pathogenic microorganisms? - ANS-A germicide.
How can microorganisms enter a person's body? - ANS-Through the mouth, eyes,
nose, or urogenital openings, or through wounds or bites that breach the skin barrier.
How often should the patient's medical history be updated? - ANS-At every visit.
What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization? - ANS-Sterilization: kills all
forms of microbial life including spores
Disinfection: eliminates many or all of pathogenic microorganisms, except spores and
inanimate objects.
Is a TB test required for dental health care personnel? - ANS-No, unless the employer
requires it.
What are the modes of transmission for bloodborne pathogens? - ANS-Direct contact,
droplet transmission, indirect contact
How can you minimize spraying or spattering of oral fluids in a dental office? - ANS-Use
of rubber dam, HVE, and pre-procedure mouth rinse.
What type of cross-contamination occurs when microorganisms enter into the dental
office in the water that supplies the dental unit? - ANS-Community to patient.
How often should dental devices that are connected to the dental water system be
flushed? - ANS-After every patient.
What is the main advantage of chemical vapor sterilization over steam sterilization? -
ANS-No corrosion.
Study Guide Latest Updated
How can dental patients and dental health care professionals be exposed to pathogenic
microorganisms? - ANS-By bacteria that has colonized or that infects the oral cavity and
respiratory tract.
How can dental patients and dental health care professionals use preventive practices
to reduce blood exposures? - ANS-Careful handling of sharp instruments, use of rubber
dams to minimize blood splatter, hand washing, and use of protective barriers.
What are the modes of transmission of pathogenic
microorganisms in dental settings? - ANS-Direct contact: contact with blood, oral fluids,
or other patient materials
Indirect contact: contact with contaminated objects
Spatter: contact with conjunctival, nasal, or oral mucosa droplets containing
microorganisms generated from an infected person and propelled a short distance
Inhalation: contact with airborne microorganisms that can remain in the air for long
periods of time
Why is it important in dentistry to have an understanding of spores? - ANS-Since spores
are the most resistant form of life known, we know that if spores are destroyed during
infection control that all other forms of life are as well.
What is recommended in the case of a positive spore test? - ANS-In the case of a
positive spore test, the sterilizer should be removed from service and all records of
physical and chemical monitoring since the last negative BI test should be reviewed. If
packaging and loading, and all operating procedures have been confirmed as
performing correctly and the repeat BI test is positive, the sterilizer should remain out of
service until it has been inspected, repaired, and re-challenged with BI test.
What does the term standard precautions mean? - ANS-Integrate and expand the
elements of universal precautions into a standard of care designed to protect HCP and
patients from pathogens that can spread by blood or any body fluids, secretions and
excretions.
Standard precautions include what practices? - ANS-Hand hygiene, use of gloves,
gown, mask, eye protection or face shield, depending on the anticipated exposure, and
safe injection practices.
, What should be done if there is exposure to a bloodborne pathogen? - ANS-Wash the
needle stick injuries, cuts, and exposed skin with soap and water
Flush splashes of blood or any other body fluids to the nose and mouth with water.
Irrigate eyes with clean water or saline.
Immediately report the incident to your employer.
Follow the steps in the exposure control plan for confidential medical evaluation and
follow up.
Post-exposure care will be paid for by the employer.
How often should dental health care personnel immunization records be updated? -
ANS-On a regular basis, it depends on the employer to say when.
What is the major source of microorganisms in the dental office? - ANS-Saliva,
respiratory secretions, and blood in the mouth of patients.
What destroys or inhibits some pathogenic microorganisms? - ANS-A germicide.
How can microorganisms enter a person's body? - ANS-Through the mouth, eyes,
nose, or urogenital openings, or through wounds or bites that breach the skin barrier.
How often should the patient's medical history be updated? - ANS-At every visit.
What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization? - ANS-Sterilization: kills all
forms of microbial life including spores
Disinfection: eliminates many or all of pathogenic microorganisms, except spores and
inanimate objects.
Is a TB test required for dental health care personnel? - ANS-No, unless the employer
requires it.
What are the modes of transmission for bloodborne pathogens? - ANS-Direct contact,
droplet transmission, indirect contact
How can you minimize spraying or spattering of oral fluids in a dental office? - ANS-Use
of rubber dam, HVE, and pre-procedure mouth rinse.
What type of cross-contamination occurs when microorganisms enter into the dental
office in the water that supplies the dental unit? - ANS-Community to patient.
How often should dental devices that are connected to the dental water system be
flushed? - ANS-After every patient.
What is the main advantage of chemical vapor sterilization over steam sterilization? -
ANS-No corrosion.
