DENTAL ASSISTANT ONLINE EXAM PRACTICE KIT 7
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The endodontic spoon excavator can be used to remove all but which of the following?
Unlike the regular spoon excavator, the endodontic spoon excavator is not used to remove necrotic tissue. It is used to remove deep caries, pulp tissue, and temporary cement.
Which human teeth are sometimes known as multicuspids?
Molars have convex lingual and buccal surfaces. They are also topped with cusps or tubercles, for which reason they are sometimes called multicuspids.
An artificial tooth suspended from a retainer is known as which of the following?
Pontics are artificial teeth suspended from a retainer. They take the place of a broken crown.
The petty cash fund is used to purchase:
Incidental items are purchased through the petty cash fund. This fund is also used to make change for cash-paying patients.
Which of the following is NOT an appropriate technique in bur exchange?
Bur transfer should take place over the patient’s chest. The assistant will remove the used bur, attach the new one selected, and give it a slight tug to ensure it is properly attached.
All but which of the following can be used to remove excess restorative material?
The Tanner carver is used to carve and shape the occlusional anatomy of an amalgam restoration. It is not used to remove excess restorative material.
For which of the following procedures would you choose a diamond bur wheel?
The diamond bur wheel is used to rapidly reduce the incisal edge of a tooth during crown preparation. It may also be used to rapidly reduce the lingual aspect of the anterior teeth during crown preparation.
Which of the following instruments would you choose to remove excess tissue and shape soft tissue?
These hinged pliers are smaller than bone rongeurs. They are used to trim and shape soft tissue.
An infiltrative needle is used for all but which of the following types of anesthesia?
An infiltrative needle is used for maxillary injections. It is used when only a small area needs to be anethestitized.
A patient who had a recent joint replacement is at risk of ____
The risk of developing endocarditis increases after a patient has a joint replaced. This is the same risk for patients with heart valve replacement and rheumatic fever.
Which of the following is considered the best choice of restorative material for places where recurrent decay is a problem?
These materials bond to enamel and dentin and release fluoride over time. They are tooth colored but opaque. They are an ideal choice for places where recurrent decay is a problem.
Which of the following is NOT true of surgical burs
Surgical burs are used to reduce and contour the alveolar bone and the tooth structure. They are used with the low-speed handpiece. They should never be used with the high-speed handpiece.
The zone in which the assistant is placed during treatment so that he or she can have easy access to materials and equipment is known as which of the following.
The assistant is placed in the assistant zone during treatment. This zone allows the assistant to easily hand instruments to the operator, access the mobile cart, and access other equipment and materials.
Which of the following is a Class I movement?
Class I movements are those that involve only the fingers. In four-handed dentistry, the movement of the hands and body should be minimized to minimize fatigue.
What type of professional fluoride application has the least offensive taste?
All of the answers are methods of professional fluoride application. Fluoride varnish is easier to apply than the other options. It also has the least offensive taste because a small amount of fluoride is used.
For which of the following procedures would you use a hatchet
Hatchets are typically double-ended, with a bevel on one end and a cutting edge on the other. They are used to refine cavity walls and to obtain retention in cavity preparations.
When setting up a treatment room, all instruments should be placed in which of the following?
All instruments should be placed in the assistant’s zone. They are then passed through the transfer (or sometimes, the static) zone to the dentist in the operator zone as they are needed.
A patient who has had a tooth extracted returns complaining of a radiating pain in her jaw. She cannot localize the pain but says it is throbbing and severe. This patient is displaying symptoms of which of the following?A
This patient is displaying symptoms of what is sometimes called dry socket, an infection of the bone that sometimes follows dental extraction. Sedative dressings and oral analgesics can help manage pain. The condition is self limiting and heals in a few days.
Which of the following is NOT likely to cause the patient to gag during a maxillary impression?
Very cold water may actually cause gagging. Using fast set alganate, or using water that is cool enough to allow for working time but not too cold, may help prevent gagging. Overfilled trays may also cause gagging, so being careful when filling the tray may increase patient comfort
When applying topical fluoride gel via mouth tray, which of the following should be placed first?
The mandibular tray should be placed first. Then place the saliva extractor, followed by the maxillary tray. An aspirator is not used in topical fluoride application.
Which of the following instruments is used to move soft, carious decay?
The spoon excavator is used to remove soft, carious decay. It should be prepared for any dental treatment that involves excavation of cavities or decay.
Which of the following is the SMALLEST size of tapered fissure straight bur?
Tapered fissure straight burs are used to form the divergent walls of cavity preparations. They are also use to place retention grooves in preparations. These instruments come in a variety of sizes, with 169 being the smallest and 172 being the largest.
Which of the following instruments would you NOT place on the instrument tray for a composite procedure?
Composite discs, rather than sandpaper, should be used to polish composite restorations. Sandpaper discs should not be included in a composite restoration set up.
Copies of prescriptions are stored:
Copies of prescriptions are stored with the patient’s dental chart. This makes information regarding prescriptions readily available to the dentist.
The semisolid phase of a colloid is known as which of the following
Colloids are glue-like materials composed of two substances. One substance is suspended in the other. Colloids are commonly used in dental materials. Colloids have two phases: a liquid phase called the sol and a semisolid phase called the gel.
What is not a risk of poor nutrition?
Nutrition affects oral health. Poor nutrition is not directly linked to systemic infection. The other answers are tied to poor nutrition.
An infiltrative needle is used for all but which of the following types of anesthesia?
An infiltrative needle is used for maxillary injections. It is used when only a small area needs to be anethesized
A patient with a racing pulse and slight numbness in the arm is likely to be experiencing a:
Symptoms of a possible heart attack include numbness, clammy skin, and a racing pulse. Other symptoms that may indicate a possible heart attack are shortness of breath and increased anxiety.
The loose connective tissue which resides inside a tooth is known as which of the following?
Teeth contain dental pulp, which is a loose connective tissue. Dental pulp is rich in vessels and nerves.
All of the following materials are used for veneers EXCEPT for
Veneers can be made from porcelain, zirconia, and composite resins. Veneers are superficial coverings fashioned to exactly match the patient’s natural teeth. Gold is not used a veneer material.
All but which of the following should be on the instrument tray for a treatment involving multiple extractions?
The high speed handpiece is not used in extractions as it generates a great deal of heat and poses risk to the patient. The low-speed handpiece is standard on instrument trays for multiple extractions
How many tubercles would you expect to find on the crown of the first upper molar in a set of permanent teeth?
In a normal human jaw, the first upper molar will have four tubercles, or cusps, on its crown. The first lower molar will have five.
In four-handed dentistry, movements that involve only the fingers are known as which of the following?
Class I movements are those that involve only the fingers. In four-handed dentistry, the movement of the hands and body should be minimized to minimize fatigue.
Which of the following does NOT indicate that a patient recently took an illegal substance?
Drug use typically contributes to tooth erosion. The other answers are signals of drug use. Patients who are high should not be treated because of the risk of heart attack and stroke.
A mouth rinse to prevent tooth decay should contain which of the following?
Fluoride mouth rinses are used to prevent tooth decay. Antibacterial prevent bacteria growth, and mint is used to freshen breath.
An oblique stroke occurs at which of the following degrees in relation to the tooth surface?
The oblique stroke occurs at a 45 degree angle to the tooth. It is appropriate for scaling the majority of tooth surfaces.
When a patient arrives for an early morning appointment and complains of not feeling well, has clammy skin, a racing pulse, and slight numbness in the arm, the healthcare worker should:
If the patient is in great stress and can’t be placed in a dental chair, EMS should immediately be called. The patient’s health history should be reviewed and the person to be contacted should be identified.
What precaution is the most important with a patient who has active TB?
Tuberculosis is highly contagious and airborne. Patients who are actively infected should not have elective procedures. If a procedure is absolutely necessary, it should be done in a hospital setting.
Materials which make the pellicle, calculus, and biofilm apparent to the patient are known as which of the following?
Disclosing agents are used to make calculus, pellicle, and biofilm apparent to patients. They are most often in chewable tablet form. These can be valuable tools in teaching patients about proper oral hygiene.
All but which of the following are signs of oral cancer?
Oral cancer is more likely to be accompanied by dramatic weight loss. Difficulty swallowing, a sense that something is caught in the throat, and velvety red or white patches in the mouth are also signs of oral cancer. Patients with these signs should be further screened
Replicas of prepared teeth which are generally removable from the working cast are known as which of the following?
Dies are replicas of the prepared teeth. They are typically removable from the prepared cast.
The low-speed dental handpiece is an appropriate instrument for all but which of the following?
The low-speed dental handpiece is used to remove soft carious material, polishing teeth and restorations, and defining cavity margins and walls. If teeth need to be cut, a high-speed handpiece is an appropriate choice.
Red and swollen gums are associated with a lack of ______
Vitamin C is essential for health. A lack of vitamin C will cause a type of gingivitis with scurvy. Lacking other vitamins and minerals will also contribute to gingivitis.
Which of the following can be used to tuck the dental dam into place?
The beavertail burnisher can be used to tuck the dental dam material into place. It may also be used to shape matrix bands and smooth the rough margins of an amalgam restoration.
A defibrillator should only be used when the patient _____
Defibrillators are used as a last resort. They should only be used if the patient’s heart is stopped. It should never be used if a patient has contraindications such as a pacemaker.
Copies of prescriptions are stored:
Copies of prescriptions are stored with the patient’s dental chart. This makes information regarding prescriptions readily available to the dentist.
When preparing an instrument tray for a prophylactic scaling, cutterage, and polishing procedure, all but which of the following should be included?
Prophylatic scaling and cutterage does not involve incisions. Therefore you do not need to include the suture set up on the instrument tray for this procedure.
Which of the following rubber tips is the most abrasive?
Brown rubber tips are the most abrasive. White are the least abrasive.
The frenulum does which of the following?
The frenulum is a fold of mucous membrane that attaches each lip to the corresponding gum. It is found on the inside of the lip.
A material and safety data sheet accompanies the purchase of
Orange solvent, X-ray film, and glutaraldehyde are all accompanied by a material and safety data sheet. Any supply that contains hazardous material must come with a material and safety data sheet.
What will NOT necessarily appear in a radiograph
Infections of the soft tissue do not register on radiographs. It is difficult to diagnose diseases of the soft tissue on radiographs. The other answers will show up on radiographs.
Extraoral film is used for:
Extraoral film is used for panoramic X-rays.Extraoral film is used for cephalometric and TMJ radiographs.
Alex applies a thyroid lead collar to her patient before beginning the scan. What is the main purpose of the thyroid lead collar?
The lead apron or shield is used during radiology procedures to protect a patient’s blood-forming tissues and sensitive organs/glands. Without some sort of a lead shield, the electrons in the patient’s body would be affected, usually by damage to their DNA or even cancer. A patient’s thyroid and/or parathyroid glands are usually in the direct line of radiation during full mouth or panoramic scans which can cause significant damage. Since the thyroid glands are in the ‘line of fire’, a lead thyroid collar is applied to the patient before each procedure.
All of the following are common types of extraoral radiographs except:
Unlike cephalometric, panoramic, and TMJ, occlusal is not a type of extraoral radiographs. Occlusal radiographs fall in the intraoral radiograph category.
Some automatic processors do not need a darkroom because
Some automatic processors have daylight loaders which makes a darkroom unnecessary. The chemical solutions in automatic processors are warmer than those used in manual processing.
What is a common feature that allows radiograph images to be previewed on the screen without exposing the patient to unnecessary radiation?
The Last-Image-Hold feature is a feature in many offices that have a TV viewing system. It allows the radiographer to bring up each image after exposure to ensure it has been done correctly and checks to see what images have already been completed. During this process, the machines are off, so it reduces unnecessary exposure to the operator and patient.
When taking a panoramic extraoral X-ray, the patient’s tongue should be:
If the patient doesn’t place his or her tongue on the roof of the mouth, a dark image will appear above the apices of the maxillary anterior teeth. It is also important for the patient to remain very still during this procedure.
A prescription for x-rays can only be written by
The dentist is the only person in the office with the knowledge and education to write a patient a prescription. A prescription is needed, because of the radiation factor from the x-rays.
Radiopaque refers to:
Radiopaque refers to the light or white areas on an X-ray. Hard structures that block the radiation appear radiopaque.
To prevent static marks on film, the operator should:
To avoid static marks on the film, film packets should be opened slowly. Opening the packets too quickly will increase static electricity and cause black streaks to appear on the film.
When exposing radiographs, protective barriers are placed on all of the following except:
Infection control must be used when exposing radiographs. Protective barriers are placed on the X-ray unit buttons, the X-ray tube head, and the exposure button. The dental chair does not have a protective barrier. Additionally, PPE is always worn by the dental worker.
| The roots of the patient’s teeth are ______. |
This is a panning x-ray of the patient’s teeth. The roots are visible and not mostly or completely rotten.
The tube housing to an x-ray machine breaks while an operator is moving the tube. A patient was not present in the x-ray room. Since the equipment is old, radiation exposure is a concern. The dental operator was not wearing a dosimeter so the appropriate course of action would be:
Dosimeters are important because they can help assess the level of exposure. When dental personnel are unexpectedly exposed to radiation, a dose assessment should be conducted as a safety measure
The ADA discourages the use of short, closed, pointed plastic cones because:
The ADA discourages using short, close pointed plastic cones because they increase the amount of scatter radiation. The short, close pointed plastic cones not only expose the face to unnecessary radiation but also the surrounding tissue.
When a patient has no teeth, proper film placement is determined by:
The location of anatomical structures on the face is the best way to determine proper film placement for patients with no teeth. Bisecting the angle and paralleling techniques are used in these situations.
A radiograph has marks on it that resembling tire tracks. What caused the problem?
It is important to make sure that the packet is loaded correctly. The design of the foil in the film packet will appear in the image if the packet is reversed. The image will also have light density.
Patients do not need to hold their own films in place with their hands, they can use
Film holders are used to hold the film in place without the use of the patient’s hand. The use of film holder reduces film slippage, and thus reducing the need for retakes and more radiation exposure.
When mounting radiographs for future viewing, the mandibular teeth are always what?
The mandibular teeth are the teeth of the lower jaw. When conducting x-rays, these teeth are viewed from a direct-on view and capture the teeth as pointing upward. The films are not flipped or changed when processed and/or mounted and will always be viewed from the gum up.
The parallel technique is _____ than the bisecting technique.
Parallel and bisecting techniques are used for intraoral radiography. The parallel technique is typically advised because it is more accurate than the bisecting technique. The bisecting technique may be used when the parallel technique is not possible.
A patient has concerns regarding the hazards of dental radiation. To reassure him or her about the procedure, the dental worker should:
A patient’s concerns about radiation exposure can be allayed by explaining that a lead apron and thyroid shield will be used. Other precautions to be taken include using a long cone paralleling technique, and only scheduling radiography when a clinical examination indicates the need for the procedure
Proper use of dosimeters includes:
Dosimeters are accredited medical devices. Dosimeters should never be tampered with since tampering with a dosimeter invalidates its readings.
The exposed silver halide crystals are removed from the film base in the:
Dental X-ray film should be stored in:
X-ray film should always be placed in cool, dry areas that are free from chemical contamination. They should not be placed with other chemicals or similar supplies.
An aluminum filter of 1 inch is necessary if the kilovoltage peak from a machine is _____.
Kilovoltage peak or kVp is should be known. A one inch filter is necessary when the kilovoltage peak is 70 kVp or above. Patients should also be protected with lead aprons and thyroid collars.
There are three types of receptors in digital radiology, which is not one of them?
Digital imaging reduces the radiation dose by 40 to 60 percent. Of the three types of receptors, two are considered direct (CCD, CMOS) and PSP is indirect.
Quality assurance is
Dental offices pursue quality assurance. This is when high quality images are being produced, but high levels of radiation are not being used. This results in the patient’s safety from less radiation, as well needing less or no retakes.
The x-ray room is BEST situated:
The BEST place to situate an x-ray room is away from passageways and close to dental operatories. The x-ray room should not be situated adjacent to front office staff or near the waiting area.
On dental film, bone and teeth appear:
Bone and teeth are radio-opague. This mean they do not allow light to radiate through them. Bones and teeth appear white on radiographic film.
How often should hangers be washed?
Hangers are used in manual processing. They need to be washed with each use. The clips require special attention.
Which item on a patient’s health history might present a radiation caution?
The organs responsible for producing blood are more susceptible to radiation. The patient who indicates he or she recently received a bone marrow transplant should raise a red flag. It is the dentist’s responsibility to determine whether x-rays are medically necessary for diagnosis. However, the dental assistant should be aware of the patient’s health history and necessary precautions.
Which tooth is thought to be a guide to the patient’s skeletal position for a panoramic view?
Most panoramic machines have aiming devices. These devices are designed to aim at the mandibular cuspid. This tooth shows the skeletal structure.
An advantage of panoramic radiography is
In panoramic radiography the patient is exposed to the less radiation. Less time is needed for this type of radiography, and gagging is eliminated.
What is the main difference between radiopaque and radiolucent structures?
Radiolucent means much of the light or radiation is not absorbed and generally passes through, which can make areas appear dark. Items such as tissues and soft fillings will appear radiolucent since the light will pass through these types of structure. Things such as metal fillings and enamel will appear radiopaque since they deflect most of the light and radiation and not allow it to pass through.
Mounting the radiographic film on viewbox facilitates:
Mounting images on the viewbox can support a full mouth examination. The viewbox allows dental personnel to study and assess images.
How often should you change the solution on an automatic processor that does not have a roller?
It is important to change the solution out regularly. Automatic machines without rollers require the solution to be replaced every two weeks minimum. This number may increase with use.
ONE difference between a mandibular and maxillary radiograph is the mandibular radiograph:
On dental radiographs, the border of the mandible appears as a heavy white line. A similar line signifying the border of the maxilla does not appear on maxillary radiographs.
An example of an unnecessary health risk dental operators can take with radiography is:
The dental operator should maintain a safe distance from the source when capturing an image. Operators who stand close to operating x-ray equipment take an unnecessary health risk. They should in no event hold the tube head steady while taking an x-ray.
When a black image appears, a quality assurance test should be done to:
A quality assurance test should be performed if a black image appears. If it is found that the developer and fixer solutions were not switched, other causes should be investigated.
A new patient to a dental office may be prescribed x-rays
To avoid over exposure to radiation, patients that have recently had x-rays performed may bring those x-rays to their new dental office. The patient should ask the previous dentist to help them forward the images to the new dentist.
A panoramic film has few details and a gray color. What is the likely cause?
Fogging can be confused with overexposure. Fogging will leave a gray color on the film. Overexposure shows few details.
Which orientation should radiographs of maxillary teeth be mounted? With the apices pointing:
The radiographs of maxillary teeth should be mounted with the apices pointing upward. The radiographs of mandibular teeth should be mounted with the apices pointed downward.
What is true of this patient’s lower wisdom teeth?
The patient does have wisdom teeth. In viewing the lower section of the patient’s mouth, it is noted that both wisdom teeth are leaning inward.
Of the following, which is visible on this x-ray?
This a panoramic view of a 41 year old patient’s teeth. Several fillings and wisdom teeth are present.
There are two factors that the operator should consider for radiation safety on patients. What are they?
The time factor has to do with exposure time, film speed, films needed and past history. Distance factors have to do with the intensity of the x-ray beam.
To avoid fingerprints from appearing on the X-ray film:
To avoid the appearance of smudges or fingerprints on the radiographic film, the operator should always wear gloves. Additionally, film should always be held by its edges, but never with the operator’s bare hands.
The type of X-ray film used to examine temporomandibular joint conditions is:
| Temporomandibular joint conditions should be examined using panoramic film. This film is used when the diagnostic area is larger than the area that can be covered in a periapical radiograph. |
A dental clinic rotates the dental assistant radiograph to minimize exposure. Rotating operators is an example of which principle
Rotating personnel who operate radiography equipment is a best practice. This action is an example of minimizing worker exposure time.
Dental radiology’s goal is to obtain important information while
Dental radiology is based upon the principle of gathering important information about the patient’s dental health, as well as keeping them as safe as possible during the procedure. If all proper safety procedures are followed, the patient will only be exposed to a low level of radiation.
What happens to chemicals that are not covered when they are stored?
Leaving chemicals open is dangerous. Additionally, oxygen causes them to oxidize. This makes them less effective.
What does the CDC recommend for cleaning sharp instruments to prepare for sterilization?
The CDC recommends using a long handled brush to clean sharp instruments. This is used to protect hands from contamination. It will also prevent injury.
Lead foil is considered an example of which type of waste
Hazardous waste is a threat to human health or the environment. Lead foil is a type of hazardous waste. Other types of hazardous waste include amalgam and fixer solution.
What may be applied to instruments that are prone to rust?
Instruments that are prone to rust are not stainless steel. A rust inhibitor may be applied. This includes sodium nitrite.
Water temperature should be ____when washing hands
Hot water increases the risk of developing dermatitis. This increases the risk of pathogen contamination. Warm water is preferable.
Of the following, which activity can help break the chain of infection between mode of transmission and portal of entry?
There are different activities that must be done in order to “break the chain of infection” between the various links of infection. Between the mode of transmission and portal of entry, washing of hands and wearing PPE are important.
Should gloves be washed as a measure of preventing cross contamination?
Gloves should never be washed as a form of prevention of cross contamination. They should be disposed of between patients or if punctured.
How is a mask removed?
The mask should not be removed by the front. Only the loops are ties should be touched during removal. This reduces cross contamination.
Each of the following are examples of barrier protection, except:
Examples of barrier protection include masks, uniforms, and gloves. Protective eyewear is another type of barrier protection for the dental worker.
In the radiography room, which of the following may or may not require a barrier?
The chair in the radiography room is not expected to have splatter. Barriers may be used, or it may be disinfected between patients.
What is a risk of nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is used frequently in a dental office. Excessive exposure commonly causes miscarriages. Other problems include reduced fertility and neurological defects.
What is the recommended minimum number of oxygen tanks a dental office should have?
What is the recommended minimum number of oxygen tanks a dental office should have?
What is the recommended minimum number of oxygen tanks a dental office should have?
The preceding types of waste are defined as: Contaminated: “Items that have had contact with blood or other body secretions.” Hazardous: “Waste posing a risk or peril to human beings or the environment.” Infectious: “Waste capable of causing an infectious disease.” Regulated: “Infectious medical waste that requires special handling, neutralization, and disposal,”
Draining waterlines at the end of the day:
Draining waterlines can reduce bacterial count up 97%, but it will not remove or kill biofilm. Draining lines, however, will prevent the biofilm from growing overnight. It is important to prevent the further growth of biofilm during the stagnant period when equipment is not being used because once biofilm is established it is difficult to remove
How long can it take for symptoms of hepatitis B to develop?
Many people with hepatitis B are asymptomatic. After exposure, hepatitis B can take 50 to 180 days to become symptomatic. Hepatitis B does not have to be symptomatic to be contagious.
Drug-resistant or difficult to treat bacteria such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile are transmitted often:
Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus is commonly transmitted in hospitals or clinical settings. Some studies indicate that disease bacteria are leading causes of complications that extend hospitalization.
Which of the following is NOT true with regard to the medical records of employees with occupational exposure?
OSHA has specifically outlined the amount of time the medical records of employees with occupational exposure should be maintained. This is 30 years + the duration of the employees’ employment.
What type of examination gloves are worn when a tight fit is not important
Examination gloves are vinyl or latex. Latex gloves have more flexibility. When vinyl gloves are tight, they are likely to tear or break.
A patient who is accidentally punctured with a dirty needle requires medication. Who is authorized to write prescriptions in a dental office
The dentist is the only authorized person to prescribe medication. His assistant may be authorized with the permission of the dentist.
What is parathesia?
Parathesia is a possible complication of ID. This results in a loss of sensation. It typically occurs when chemicals penetrate gloves.
The reason metal surfaces and trap filters should not be cleaned with bleach is:
The reason for not using bleach on metal surfaces and traps filters is to prevent rusting the materials. Bleach is an effective sterilizing agent for some other hard surfaces such as non-metal countertops and tables. Alcohol is effective for smooth and less contaminated metal surfaces and but not for cleaning traps.
Of the following, which is NOT subject to the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard?
All facilities where employees can be exposed to body fluids must abide by the standard. Potentially infectious material includes substances such as blood and saliva among many others.
When changing the ultrasonic cleaner solution, what PPE must be worn?
The ultrasonic cleaner solution is highly contaminated. Therefore, all PPE must be worn when in contact with it.
The dental assistant is using rapid heat transfer. Of the following, what does NOT describe this type of sterilization?
With rapid heat transfer, the instruments are automatically dry after the cycle. Additionally, the cycle is very fast and does not allow for corrosion.
Which of the following will cause permanent skin damage?
ID or irritant dermatitis is caused by different irritants. It needs to be treated as soon as possible. Permanent damage will result if it is not treated.
The acceptable level for Gram-negative bacteria in dental unit water lines is equal to or less than:
The acceptable level for heterotrophic bacteria in dental unit water lines is equal to or less than 500 cfu/mL. This value meets EPA regulatory standards for drinking water. This value relates to the level of organisms in the water but not the level of the biofilm in equipment.
Burn hazards in a dental office include all of the following except for:
Burn hazards in the dental office includes caustic chemicals, lasers, electrical equipment, and the curing light. Latex is not a burn hazard but if can pose a problem for some patients and workers
Which vaccine is used to prevent a common blood-borne pathogen?
Dental assistants are at risk of contracting blood-borne pathogens from patients. Hepatitis vaccines are often a requirement. They are meant to prevent the spread of the disease
Of these, which is NOT required to be included in the exposure control plan, as per OSHA?
OSHA requires many things of the exposure control plan such as it includes regulated waste disposal procedures. However, it does not require that the plan be created by a third party company.
The dental assistant is using dry heat sterilization in order to sterilize dental instruments. What temperature should the sterilizer be in order to perform its duty?
There are various types of sterilizers used to clean medical equipment. These different sterilizers require various temperatures and time in order to be effective. For example, chemical vapor sterilization and steam autoclave sterilization require a temperature of 270°F. However, chemical vapor sterilization takes 20 minutes and steam autoclave sterilization, 3 minutes.
Best practices for wearing gloves include:
The dental health worker should never wash single use gloves. Washing gloves breaks down the material and may cause leaks or tears. Additionally, perforated gloves should not be worn and all contaminated gloves must be discarded as hazardous waste.
Latex can pose what problem in the dental office?
Latex is known to cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Some workers are hypersensitive to this product.
Dental supplies and instruments should NOT be stored where?
When dental instruments are stored, they should remain sterile. Storing them in an area such as under the sink allows for the potential of them getting wet, which will cause them to become contaminated.
Heat-resistant tape is typically used when packaging instruments for what purpose?
Heat sealers are used to seal nylon plastic instrument packaging tubing. Gauze pads are used in the packaging area. They are placed in cassettes before heat processing. Spore tests are used to monitor sterilizers and make sure they are functioning properly.
The autoclave sterilizes instruments through the use of
Steam under pressure is the method used for autoclave instrument sterilization. All remaining microorganisms and spores are killed by this process
Of these, which is NOT required to be included in the exposure control plan, as per OSHA?
OSHA requires many things of the exposure control plan such as it includes regulated waste disposal procedures. However, it does not require that the plan be created by a third party company.
John is a patient who has been coming to the clinic for several years. The staff suspects he may have an alcohol problem based on his pattern of oral problems, health history, and behavior. The dental team can identify and help educate patients who suffer from alcohol or drug abuse. In this case, the BEST course of action would be to:
Dental providers are not responsible for treating or counseling alcohol or substance abuse. However, they can assist in educating and minimizing dental risks by activities such as screening, providing prevention information, or referring patients to appropriate professional.
Which of the following agents can be used for the regular sterilization of dental unit waterlines?
Dental unit waterlines must not be cleaned with surface disinfectants. Chemical sterilants are the proper agents to use for regular cleaning dental unit water lines
The gloves utilized during surgical procedures involving bone or periodontium are called:
These gloves are used in procedures involving bone or periodontium.They are supplied in a protective pouch and are labeled for the right or left hand.
A dental worker has developing solution splashed in her eyes. She should:
The dental worker should first flush her eyes copious amounts of water and then notify her employer. She should not attempt to anything else first like documenting the incident.
As per the quality assurance program, which of the following is an important aspect of radiography equipment that must be inspected each year?
With regard to radiography equipment and quality assurance, kV output, mA output, half value layer and exposure timer should be checked. The focal spot size, beam alignment and size, x-ray output and reproducibility of exposure, and the stability of the tubehead should be evaluated.
Waterlines require special cleaning and disinfection because:
The reason why waterlines require special cleaning is because of the biofilms that form in lines, which are usually narrow tubes. Biofilms are highly resistant colonies that form in lines despite constantly moving water in the tubes when equipment is operating. Biofilms in lines actually amplify the effect of bacteria in the water and make cleaning even more difficult.
With regard to needle safety, in 2001, a dental assistant in this state was required to follow OSHA’s federal mandate as well as her state’s laws regarding public healthcare facilities. What state would this be?
In 2001, President Clinton signed the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, which was an update to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Since the federal mandate did not cover public facilities unless states had their own needle safety laws, seven states passed their own laws. These states are Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, Texas and West Virginia.
Materials that are not disposable need to be _____
Items that cannot be disposed of need to be Disinfected in order to prevent cross contamination. The method will vary depending on the object.
The discharge of limited quantities of blood and fluid substances into sewer lines is considered:
The Centers for Disease Control states that “Multiple bloodborne pathogens, particularly viruses, are not stable in the [sewer] environment for long periods.” So, it is considered safe to discharge limited quantities of blood and body fluids into the sewer lines. However, dental personnel should check local and state guidelines regarding the volume of blood and fluids that can be discharged into the sewer. Also, some areas may have requirements regarding pretreatment.
Keeping in line with sterility assurance, the dental assistant follows the four step method to ensure all instruments are properly sterilized. Which of the following is the first step of the process?
Sterility assurance is a critical program implemented to help make sure the proper procedures are being chosen, implemented and performance monitored. The four-step process is as follows: Step 1: Choose the procedure and identify the proper way to carry it out. Step 2: Create a step-by-step guide outlining the correct procedure. Step 3: Integrate procedure into office training program. Step 4: Monitor performance of the procedure.
Which of the following will NOT break the link between the infectious agent and the reservoir?
Nutrition affects susceptibility. The other answers can disrupt the link between the infectious agent and the reservoir. They must be observed in a dental office.
What is the most common method of transmission in a dental office?
Direct contact is one of the routes of exposure. It occurs when touching bodily fluids. It is the most common method of transmission.
During a procedure Chris is assisting with, a significant amount of blood splatters on the wall and floor. Chris should clean the contaminated surfaces as quickly as possible with:
Blood spills should be cleaned as quickly as possible. The Centers for Disease Control recommends dental personnel preferably clean blood spills with an EPA-registered sodium hypochlorite product. If an EPA-registered product is not available, a diluted solution of common household bleach may be used at ratio of 1:100 or 1/4 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Additionally, the individual cleaning the blood should ensure they wear the necessary personal protective equipment.
Hard surface areas in the dental office are disinfected with
Any area that may have been contaminated during a procedure should be disinfected. Some examples of areas that require disinfection after treatment include mobile carts, counter tops, dental chair, light, etc.
How should instruments be wrapped for sterilization?
Instruments should be wrapped loosely. Wrapping them tightly will interfere with the sterilization process. Sterilization will also be ineffective if they are stacked too close together
When intact skin is breached such as when being cut by broken glassware or punctured by contaminated needles, the relationship between the host and bacteria becomes:When intact skin is breached such as when being cut by broken glassware or punctured by contaminated needles, the relationship between the host and bacteria becomes:
When microorganisms are given an entry route, they can travel into the deep levels of body skin and other body tissue. The once symbiotic relationship experienced on the epidermis, now becomes opportunistic.
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