Infection Control in Dental Radiography

Questions and Answers

What is the primary benefit of using surface barriers in a dental environment?

They minimize the risk of surface contamination. (correct)

They allow for easier identification of contaminated surfaces.

They eliminate the need for wearing gloves.

They reduce the need for cleaning between patients.

Which materials are recommended for creating surface barriers?

Metal sheets and aluminum foil

Cotton fabric and wax paper

Cloth and paper towels

Plastic wrap and bags (correct)

What should be done if a surface becomes contaminated during a procedure?

Wait until the procedure is finished to clean it.

Clean and disinfect it immediately. (correct)

Use a simple wipe to clean it without disinfecting.

Cover it with a new barrier without cleaning.

What practice should DHCP follow once gloves are on?

Only touch barrier-protected surfaces. Signup and view all the answers

When should disposable items be used in a dental setting?

For all items to minimize risk. Signup and view all the answers

How should reusable dental devices be prepared between patients?

Clean, package, and heat sterilize. Signup and view all the answers

What are the guidelines for handling high-level disinfection if no heat-tolerant instruments are available?

Immerse in a liquid chemical germicide. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement when using a disinfectant?

It should be diluted according to manufacturer’s instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of infection control practices in dental radiography?

To prevent cross-contamination and transmission of pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a method of cross-contamination in dental radiography?

Patient to DHCP transmission Signup and view all the answers

How long can oral microorganisms potentially survive on radiographic equipment?

48 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for dental health-care personnel during radiographic procedures?

Disposable gloves and face masks Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Standard Precautions' refer to in infection control for dental treatments?

Precautions that apply to all patients regardless of infection status Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a potential source of cross-contamination in dental radiography?

Portable water supply Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) in a dental setting?

Blood and saliva Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about infection control in dental radiography is TRUE?

All surfaces and equipment must be considered in infection control. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done prior to handling the film cassette?

Remove gloves and wash hands Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using unit dosing in radiography?

Minimizes cross-contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to prevent contamination in digital imaging equipment?

Preventing contamination Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be done before seating the patient?

Dispense radiographic film from a central supply area Signup and view all the answers

What can be used to protect the keyboard between patients?

Barrier protect with plastic wrap Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after film exposure and before glove removal?

Place the film in a disposable container Signup and view all the answers

What level of disinfection is required for intraoral sensors that come into contact with mucous membranes?

High-level disinfection or heat sterilization Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of commercially available barriers fails to prevent contamination?

44% Signup and view all the answers

What type of gloves should be used during the film exposure process?

Powder-free gloves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of keyboards can withstand cleaning and disinfecting procedures?

Keyless keyboards Signup and view all the answers

Which surface is NOT typically protected with a barrier during the radiography process?

Dental chair frame Signup and view all the answers

What should be the first action taken after film exposure?

Place reusable film-holding devices in a designated area Signup and view all the answers

Which method has shown a 6% failure rate when combined with latex finger covers?

Using barriers Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to barrier-protected semi-critical items between patients?

Clean and high-level disinfect them Signup and view all the answers

During film exposure, how should you minimize contact with surfaces?

Ensure all surfaces are barrier-protected Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with used disposable items after film exposure?

Discard them in a designated contaminated waste area Signup and view all the answers

Which item is essential to adjust when seating the patient for radiographic procedures?

Leaded apron with thyroid collar Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about processing radiographic films is true?

Use of unit dose supplies simplifies processing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum disinfection procedure for items that cannot tolerate other cleaning methods?

Clean and disinfect with an EPA-registered product with intermediate level activity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be used to avoid contamination of computer equipment in the dental operatory?

Surface barriers on keyboards and mice Signup and view all the answers

What does the CDC recommend regarding digital radiography sensor cleaning after using barriers?

Clean and disinfect after removing the barrier Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk if aseptic technique is not practiced in dental radiography?

High potential for cross-contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of barrier protection for digital radiography sensors?

To avoid contamination during procedures Signup and view all the answers

Which practice can significantly reduce cross-contamination in dental settings according to recommended infection control practices?

Implementing rigorous disinfection procedures Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with keyboards and mice in the dental operatory regarding glove use?

They should not be used with gloved or contaminated hands Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action for consulting the manufacturer related to digital radiography?

Regarding compatibility of barrier and disinfection/sterilization procedures Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Abbreviations

DHCP: Dental Health-Care Personnel
IC: Infection Control
OPIM: Other Potentially Infectious Materials
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

Infection Control Practices

Infection control protocols in dental radiography mirror those in dental operatory settings.
Standard Precautions apply universally to all patients.

Transmission of Blood-borne Pathogens

Routes of transmission occur between Patients and DHCP, DHCP to Patients, and Patient to Patient.
The primary goal is to break the chain of infection by managing pathogens, susceptibilities, and entry modes.

Sources of Cross-Contamination

Contaminated items include film packets, exposure buttons, film-holding devices, and environmental surfaces.
DHCP gloved hands, tube heads, chair controls, darkroom, and processors also pose contamination risks.

Research Findings

Oral microorganisms can survive on radiographic equipment for 48 hours and in developer solutions for up to 2 weeks.
Utilizing surface barriers or disinfecting surfaces between patient use is essential for minimizing risk.

General Principles of Environmental Infection Control

Minimize contamination by limiting surface touches.
After putting on gloves, only touch barrier-protected surfaces during exposure.

Surface Barriers

Effective and easy to use, surface barriers reduce dependence on disinfectants.
Protect surfaces that may be touched by gloved hands or contaminated items.

Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures

Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately following procedures.
Follow manufacturer guidelines on disinfectant use, including dilution and compatibility.

Cleaning and Sterilization

Many items used in dental radiography should be single-use and discarded after one instance.
Reusable items must be cleaned, packaged, and heat sterilized between patients.

High-Level Disinfection

If heat-tolerant instruments are unavailable, clean and use a high-level disinfectant as a minimum safeguard.
Follow all manufacturer instructions during disinfection processes.

Infection Control Practices Overview

Infection control should be practiced prior to, during, and after film exposure.
Preparatory tasks include aseptic area preparation, using unit dose supplies, and applying surface barriers.

Unit Dosing Benefits

Reduces cross-contamination and chairside time, while limiting DHCP exposure to environmental surfaces.

Film Exposure Procedures

Ideally, surfaces should be barrier-protected; otherwise, limit touches to surfaces.
After exposure, dry films and place them in disposable containers to mitigate contamination.

Post Film Exposure Practices

Sort through reusable and disposable items carefully.
Clean and disinfect all contaminated surfaces once procedures conclude.

Digital Imaging Considerations

Equipment such as keyboards and mice should be cleaned and disinfected consistently.
Barriers should be used for digital sensors, and protocols for cleaning must be followed.

Digital Radiography Protocols

Intraoral sensors should be heat sterilized or chemically disinfected if they contact mucous membranes.
Consult manufacturers for guidance on cleaning, disinfection, and barrier compatibility.

Summary of Infection Control in Dental Radiography

Infection control practices for dental radiography align with those in dental operatory settings.
Strong adherence to infection control minimizes the risk of cross-contamination effectively, safeguarding patients and staff.

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Description

This quiz covers essential infection control practices for dental radiography, including the roles of Dental Health-Care Personnel and the importance of Standard Precautions. It aims to reinforce knowledge of procedures that protect both patients and providers from infectious materials during dental imaging. Prepare to test your understanding of these critical protocols.