Infection Control in Dentistry

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Why should gloves not be washed?

They are not designed for washing

Washing gloves can damage the material

They are too expensive

They are disposable (correct)

What is the purpose of a surgical cap?

To prevent hair from trapping contamination (correct)

To protect against heavy spatter

To protect against aerosols

To prevent eye infections

Why should a mask be worn in addition to a face shield?

To protect against heavy spatter

To protect against aerosols that drift behind the shield (correct)

To protect against eye infections

To prevent hair from trapping contamination

What should be done with contaminated materials like used masks and gloves?

They should be discarded safely Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to separate needles and sharps into hard-walled containers?

To prevent carrying unsheathed contaminated needles or containers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of infection control in dental settings?

To minimize infection risks through standard precautions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an overgarment in the operatory?

To protect clothing and skin from heavy contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is the size range of aerosols in dental settings?

5 μm to approximately 50 μm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of wearing masks and protective eyewear in dental settings?

To reduce exposure to air-borne particles Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after each appointment or whenever a glove leak is detected?

Gloves are removed and fresh ones are used Signup and view all the answers

What type of air-borne contaminants can carry agents of respiratory infections?

Aerosols and larger particles Signup and view all the answers

Why is adequate air circulation important in dental settings?

To reduce exposure to air-borne particles Signup and view all the answers

When passing instruments and syringes with unsheathed needles to another individual, what should be done with the sharp and curved ends?

They should be turned away from the recipient's hand Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with burs when a procedure is finished?

They should be removed from hand-pieces Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the contaminated surfaces that were not previously covered?

Wipe them with a disinfectant wipe Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle to remember about disinfection?

Disinfection cannot occur until fresh disinfectant is reapplied to a thoroughly cleaned surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of sterilization?

Killing all forms of life, including bacterial spores Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of ethyl alcohol is considered the most effective in disinfectants on cleaned surfaces?

70%–79% Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with used bottles, containers, and tubes during cleaning procedures?

They should be sprayed with disinfectant and wiped with a paper towel Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is the most rapid and effective for sterilizing cloth surgical packs and towel packs?

Steam pressure sterilization Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with disposable items that have been contaminated?

Place them in the large bag and remove them from the control unit Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the plastic drapes from the control unit after a procedure?

They should be removed and discarded Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of monitoring systems in sterilization methods?

To test the effectiveness of the sterilization method Signup and view all the answers

How many accepted methods of sterilization are mentioned in the text?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of autoclaving?

It can rust carbon steel instruments and burs Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of chemiclaving?

Carbon steel and other corrosion-sensitive instruments are not affected Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of chemiclaving?

Items sensitive to high temperatures are damaged Signup and view all the answers

What is required for chemiclaving?

Instruments must be lightly packaged in bags from the sterilizer manufacturer Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of short-cycle, high-temperature dry heat ovens?

They use a rapid high-temperature process Signup and view all the answers

Why are biologic spore test monitoring strips used in chemiclaving?

To confirm the effectiveness of the sterilization process Signup and view all the answers