Infection Control Certification Key Points

Questions and Answers

What does the acronym DHCP represent in the infection control regulations?

Dental healthcare properties

Dental healthcare people

Dental healthcare personnel (correct)

Detailed healthcare properties

Which of the following processes kills all microorganisms?

High-level disinfection

Disinfection

Cleaning

Sterilization (correct)

Disposable items soaked with blood and saliva should be placed in which of the following?

A puncture resistant container

A properly labeled leak-proof biohazard bag (correct)

A plastic lined trash container

A double lined trash container

Which type of disinfectant should be used to clean and disinfect clinical contact surfaces not protected by an impervious barrier after each patient?

Low-to intermediate level disinfectant Signup and view all the answers

Which category do instruments and devices that contact oral mucous membranes but do not penetrate soft tissue or bone belong to?

Semi-critical items Signup and view all the answers

Which item is defined as a chemical agent that can be used to disinfect items and surfaces based on the level of contamination?

Germicide Signup and view all the answers

What does OPIM stand for in the context of health care?

Other Potentially Infectious Materials Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the cleaning of operatories is true?

Operatories must be cleaned and sterilized between each patient. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while assisting during a dental procedure?

Surgical masks Signup and view all the answers

Impressions and bite-registrations shall be cleaned prior to and disinfected with a ____ before manipulation in a dental lab.

Low-to intermediate level disinfectant Signup and view all the answers

Standard precautions are used ____.

In the care of all patients Signup and view all the answers

What process requires time, heat, and pressure in a sterilization device?

Sterilization Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a biological monitor in sterilization devices?

To verify the proper functioning of sterilization cycles Signup and view all the answers

The ultrasonic cleaner should be covered during operation to:

Prevent droplet contamination Signup and view all the answers

_____ is the least effective disinfection process; it kills some bacteria, some viruses, and fungi.

Low level disinfectant Signup and view all the answers

The removal of visible soil, debris, and OPIM from surfaces is defined as what?

Cleaning Signup and view all the answers

The categorization of germicides into low-level, intermediate-level, and high-level disinfectants is based on what criteria?

Their ability to kill certain microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

If hands are not visibly soiled or contaminated, a/an ____ may be used as an alternative to soap and water.

Alcohol-based hand rub Signup and view all the answers

Sharps are defined as any contaminated object that can penetrate the skin such as ____.

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

At the beginning of each workday, dental unit waterlines and devices shall be purged with air and flushed with water for at least ____ minutes prior to attaching handpieces or other devices.

Four Signup and view all the answers

All high-speed handpieces, low-speed handpiece attachments, rotary components, and dental unit attachments shall be ____.

Packaged, labeled, and heat-sterilized in a manner consistent with a semi-critical instrument Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum frequency for testing the proper functioning of the sterilization cycle using a heat indicator device?

Weekly Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding endospores and disinfectants is accurate?

Endospores are resistant to intermediate-level disinfectants. Signup and view all the answers

Standard precautions apply to which of the following?

All patients regardless of their health status Signup and view all the answers

When handling hazardous chemicals, which protective equipment is necessary?

Chemical-resistant utility gloves and task-specific PPE Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for products used to clean items and surfaces before disinfection?

They should be used according to all label instructions. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances must puncture-resistant utility gloves be worn?

During all pre-clinical, clinical and post-clinical procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of sterilization in a clinical setting?

The process that destroys all biologic material capable of reproduction Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with disposable sharp items and instruments after use?

They must be placed into sharps containers for disposal Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Infection Control Certification Examination Key Points

DHCP Acronym: Represents Dental Healthcare Personnel, indicating healthcare workers in a dental setting.
Sterilization Definition: The process that eliminates all microorganisms, ensuring complete safety.
Disposal of Contaminated Items: Items soaked with blood or saliva must be disposed of in a properly labeled leak-proof biohazard bag.

Cleaning and Disinfection Standards

Clinical Contact Surfaces: Should be cleaned and disinfected with a Cal EPA registered, hospital-grade disinfectant that is either low-to-intermediate or intermediate level after each patient.
Types of Items:
- Semi-Critical Items: Instruments that contact oral mucous membranes but do not penetrate soft tissue or bone.
- Non-Critical Items: Items coming into contact with intact skin, requiring appropriate cleaning.

Definitions and Terms (Matching)

Germicide: A chemical agent that can disinfect based on contamination levels.
OPIM (Other Potentially Infectious Materials): Includes human body fluids like saliva, unfixed tissue, and blood.
Cleaning: The physical removal of soil and debris from objects.
Critical Items: Devices that penetrate soft tissue or bone.
Sterilization Process: Involves time, heat, and pressure, commonly in a steam autoclave.

True/False Statements Essentials

Heavy-Duty Gloves: Mandatory for DHCP to prevent puncture wounds during instrument processing.
Gown Management: Reusable or disposable gowns must be changed after each patient.
Operatory Cleaning: Requires cleaning and sterilization between patients, including barrier management.
Operator Attire: Protective attire is essential whenever there's a risk of blood or aerosol exposure.
Housekeeping Surface Cleaning: High-level disinfectants are not necessary; standard cleaning suffices.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines

PPE includes protective eyewear and attire, but NOT exam gloves when assisting in procedures.

Germicides and Their Categories

Germicides categorized by their disinfection effectiveness: low-level, intermediate-level, high-level; rated on their ability to kill specific microorganisms.

Dental Procedure Protocol

Impressions: Must be cleaned and disinfected with at least a low-to-intermediate disinfectant prior to lab manipulation.
Standard Precautions: Apply to all patients, not just those with infectious diseases.
Ultrasonic Cleaner: Should be covered to prevent droplet contamination.

Disinfection Process Effectiveness

Low-level disinfectant is the least effective, killing some bacteria and viruses.
Use alcohol-based hand rubs when hands are not visibly contaminated.

Sharps and Waterline Management

Sharps Definition: Contaminated objects that can pierce the skin, including dental burs and needles.
Flushing Protocol: Waterlines must be purged with air and flushed for at least three minutes daily and for one minute between patients.

Testing Sterilization Processes

Heat indicator devices should test sterilization cycles weekly.
Endospores are resistant to intermediate-level disinfectants.

Compliance and Regulations

Follow CDC guidelines for universal precautions expanding to all diseases.
Dispose of sharp items immediately in designated containers.
Thorough cleaning and sterilization protocols required for all lab burs and rotary devices.

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Description

This quiz covers essential key points for Infection Control Certification, focusing on the roles of Dental Healthcare Personnel and critical sterilization processes. It includes standards for cleaning and disinfection in clinical settings, while addressing the proper disposal of contaminated items. Test your knowledge on the definitions and classifications relevant to infection control.