DENTAL ASSISTANT ONLINE EXAM PRACTICE KIT 8
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Which of the following instruments would you choose to remove temporary cement from around a temporary fabrication?
| The excavator is a versatile tool. It is used to remove temporary cement from around a temporary restoration. It may also be used to remove a temporary crown or bridge. |
The operator zone for a right-handed operator will be in which of the following positions?
A right-handed operator will have his or her operator zone at 7 to 12 o’clock. The treatment area is always set up with the operator in mind.
The principle mass of the teeth is composed of which of the following?
Teeth are composed of dentin. This is a modified ossified tissue.
Which of the following motions is used with a hatchet?
Hatchets are used to refine cavity walls and obtain retention in preparation. They are used with a downward motion.
How many times can a person be shocked with a defibrillator?
Defibrillators should be used with caution. Only shock a patient three times before continuing CPR.
Which of the following instruments would you choose to trim a metal restoration?
Finishing burs can be used to smooth, trim, and finish metal restorations. They may also be used on natural tooth colored material restorations. They may be used interorally.
The best appointment time for oral surgery on a diabetic patient is
8:30 a.m.is the best time to schedule oral surgery for a diabetic patient. Medications and breakfast can be consumed so that sugar levels are not compromised.
Which of the following is NOT an appropriate technique for mixing and using dental materials?
Some materials have limited working time. Do not mix materials until you are sure the operator is ready for them. Have all materials and equipment ready at the start of treatment, and pass materials over the patient’s chin.
An L after the size number of an inverted cone bur indicates which of the following?
Inverted cone burs are used to remove caries and to make undercuts in preparation for retention. They come in a variety of sizes and may have long or short heads. The smallest size is 33 ½ and the largest is 39. An L after the size number indicates a long instrument head. An S indicates a short instrument head.
Controlled substances are:
Controlled substances are drugs regulated and controlled by the federal government. Drugs fall under different classifications according to who can administer them, their how they are stored, and how they are administered. Controlled substances fall under the most stringent requirements and their are different levels of controlled substances.
Which of the following instruments would you select when performing subgingival scaling?
The curette is the instrument of choice for subgingival scaling, which takes place below the gumline. You may choose either a universal curette or one that is area-specific.
Which of the following is NOT an appropriate technique in one-handed instrument exchange?
Always grasp new instruments at the end opposite from the working end. Grasp and offer new instruments with your index and middle fingers. Receive used instruments with your little finger.
For which of the following would you NOT choose a periodontal curette?
The periodontal curette is used to remove subgingival calculus. It is also used to remove soft tissue lining the periodontal pocket, and may be used to smooth the root during root planing
When preparing a working cast that will need to withstand the stresses of fabricating a prosthesis, which of the following should you choose?
Working casts should be made of one of the dental stones. This allows the cast to withstand stress as the prosthesis or restoration is fabricated.
A cavity that involves three surfaces of the tooth is known as which of the following?
A cavity which involves three or more tooth surfaces is considered complex. These often require extensive reconstruction.
Which instrument would you choose to remove soft, carious decay from a tooth?
| 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. |
The process of stabilizing teeth that are loose or have lost bone support is known as which of the following?
Teeth that are loose or have lost bone support can be supported by nearby intact teeth. This process is known as splinting.
What would you use if a patient has epilepsy or a history of seizures?
If a patient has a high risk of seizure, it is important to be prepared. A ligated mouth prop can be positioned at the beginning of the procedure.
For maximum benefit, patients should brush their teeth with fluoridated toothpaste at least how often?
To receive the maximum benefit from topical fluoride toothpaste, patients should brush their teeth twice a day. Patients with inconsistent brushing habits may need additional fluoride treatment.
Advantages of alginate (irreversible hydrocolloid) impression material include all of the following EXCEPT for:
Alginates are cheap, flexible, and elastic enough to resume their shape after being removed from the mouth. Alginates are not very rigid and over time can change their shape. For instance, a special caution with alginates is that they can dry out and become distorted.
For which of the following would you NOT use the dental lathe
The dental lathe should be used to polish cast crowns. It should not be used on provisional crowns. It may also be used to polish appliances and to contour custom trays.
How long should a patient remove his or her dentures each day
Dentures need to be removed daily. This helps prevent sores and infection. Most people remove them at bedtime. They should be out 6 to 8 hours.
Which of the following arteries provides blood supply to the oral cavity?
Three branches of the carotid artery provide blood supply to the oral cavity. These are the facial, maxillary, and ligual branches.
Which of the following is NOT true when preparing alginate for an impression?
Alginate powder should be piled loosely into the scoop, otherwise there is a risk of too much powder for the amount of water. Powder should be fluffed or aerated prior to measurement. Cold water will prolong working time.
What is a viscous material that sets WITHIN the mouth to a firm consistency and which can also be used to create a mold?
Impression material is a viscous material, which sets within the patient’s mouth and can later be used to make a mold. Impression material is used to make primary and secondary impressions of the patient’s mouth.
The stroke used to remove calculus from the majority of the surface of a tooth during a scaling is known as which of the following?
The oblique stroke occurs at a 45 degree angle to the tooth. It is appropriate for scaling the majority of tooth surfaces.
Which of the following is the LARGEST size of round bur?
Round burs come in a variety of sizes: 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10. 10 is the largest size of round bur.
A patient experiences a seizure during an exam. What should be done first?
When a patient has a seizure, first remove everything from his or her mouth. Next, clear space around the patient. Never restrain someone having a seizure.
The patient consent form cannot be signed by
A minor patient cannot sign the patient consent form. By law, minors are not allowed to enter into a contract. Thus, a consent form should be signed by the parent or legal guardian.
Blood dyscrasias increases the risk of _____
Blood dyscrasias are conditions in which the cells of the blood are abnormal. Conditions may affect clotting. This can lead to excessive bleeding.
Reversible hydrocoilloids are made of which of the following?
Reversible hydrocolloids can be heated to turn gel into a fluid sol state, and then cooled again to the gel state. This allows the material to flow around teeth and then set into impressions. They are made of agar.
Which of the following is true of fluoride in food?
The same food, when prepared differently, can have different levels of fluoride. Boiling, roasting, or frying can influence the level of fluoride. Adding fat can also increase the fluoride in a given dish.
When placing temporary cement, which of the following is recommended?
Using too much cement or filling the cavity with cement may inhibit the placement of the temporary restoration. It also results in unnecessary wasted material and clean up time. Cement should be placed around the internal margin of the replacement area only.
Which of the following arteries provides blood supply to the lips?
The facial artery, a branch of the carotid artery, provides blood to the lips. This artery branches into two branches to supply the upper and lower lips.
Which of the following instruments would you select when performing subgingival scaling?
The curette is the instrument of choice for subgingival scaling. You may choose either a universal curette or one that is area-specific.
All but which of the following is true of a patient who has been properly positioned for four-handed dentistry?
If the patient is properly positioned, the legs should be slightly lower than the head. Elevating the legs above the head may lead to anxiety or circulation problems. The patient should be supine with no bending at the waist.
A patient complains of feeling strange and his or her tongue begins to swell. What type of shock is this?
All of the answers are different types of shock. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. A swollen tongue is associated with anaphylactic shock.
Which of the following instruments would you choose to separate teeth whose contacts are very tight?
The T-ball burnisher can be used to slightly separate teeth whose contacts are very tight. It may also be used to smooth the rough margins of amalgam restorations and to shape matrix bands.
Which of the following would you use to polish a composite restoration?
Composite discs are made of a synthetic material impregnated with grit. They are used to polish, refine, and contour composite restorations.
Patient health care information is protected by which regulation?
The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act protects patient’s information. It mandates how protected health information is shared and stored.
Irrigation tools are particularly useful if a patient has _____.
Irrigating devices use water to remove plaque and debris. Anyone may use them, but they are particularly useful for people with bridge work. It is difficult to brush and floss under a bridge, and the water loosens trapped particles.
Which of the following is NOT true of a patient who has been properly positioned for four-handed dentistry?
When properly positioned, the patient should be supine. His or her oral cavity should be 14 to 16 inches from the operator’s nose. The dental chair should be lowered to within 1 inch of the operator’s lap. The plane of the patient’s forehead should also be parallel with the floor. Patients are always positioned with respect to the operator, not the assistant.
You are collecting clinical data with a patient who has come in complaining that her right upper canine is sensitive to cold. Examination reveals a small hole in the tooth. How would you chart this?
The right upper (maxillary) canine is numbered 6 in the Universal Numbering System. The lesion is class IV because it appears on the surface of a tooth with an incisory edge.
What should be administered to a patient who has a heart attack in the office?
Nitroglycerine is used to treat heart conditions. Patients with heart conditions probably have their own prescription, although vasodilators should be in the emergency kit. Administer the patient’s nitroglycerine along with oxygen while waiting for EMS.
Diamond burs are most likely to be used during which of the following types of procedures?
Diamond burs of different shapes and sizes are most likely to be used during crown preparation. Different diamond burs will be used to rapidly reduce teeth depending on what shape is needed for the crown.
Dental molds can be used to prepare all EXCEPT for:
Dental impressions and molds are used to restore the patients teeth or prepare prosthetics made in the dental laboratory. Molds are used to make dentures, crowns, inlays, onlays, dentures, and other dental appliances. Molds are used to make inlays, which are sort of filling made from gold or porcelain. Molds are not used to amalgam fillings, which are prepared directly in the clinic instead of the dental laboratory.
Which of the following would you use along the top edge of an impression tray to give it extra height?
Utility wax comes in rope form and is pliable at room temperature. It can provide extra height and padding to impression trays, making the impression process more comfortable for the patient.
You might recommend which of the following for a patient who has little strength in the hands?
Electric toothbrushes require less strength to clean teeth. This option is useful for patients who may be too weak to clean their teeth with a normal toothbrush. Dentists recommend smaller, soft bristle toothbrushes.
Splinting is used to do which of the following?
Teeth that are loose or have lost bone support can be supported by nearby intact teeth. This process is known as splinting.
Which tooth is designated number 1 in the Universal Numbering System?
The Universal Numbering System assigns a unique number to each tooth, making for easier charting. The right maxillary third molar is designated 1, and the count continues to the left.
In relation to the tube, which way should the raised dot be facing?
The raised dot is a reference point for taking successful images. It should always face the tube.
If a film cannot be held in place by the patient’s mouth, which of the following should be used
When a film cannot sit properly in the patient’s mouth, a film holder should be used to set the film. No other person or even the patient should hold the film. If they do, they are exposing other areas of the body to radiation.
What determines a patient’s x-rays
Radiation exposure through dental radiography is limited. The benefits are greater than the risks. Generally, the clinical needs of a patient, rather than radiation dose, determine which x-rays are given.
All of the following will cause a dental personnel to exceed occupational radiation limits EXCEPT for:
Dental personnel are not likely to exceed occupational exposure limits under normal circumstances. However, exposure limits may be exceeded in an office with poor facility design, malfunctioning x-ray equipment or inadequate operating procedures. Billing and administrative procedures will not have an effect on occupational radiation exposure.
When radiographing an endentulous adult patient, exposure time:
Exposure time for endentulous patients should be decreased. Due to the fact that the patient has no teeth, proper film placement is based on anatomical structures.
What protects intraoral film from contamination while in the patient’s mouth?
The barrier envelope is use to protect the film from contamination. It can also protect against spreading germs among staff. The foil backing and white plastic side are parts of the standard film packet
A safe working practice for dental personnel includes:
Dental personnel should practice safe working habits. They should not stand close to x-ray equipment while in use or linger unnecessarily in the x-ray room. Additionally, the x-ray machine should be turned off when not in use.
The type of film holder used for extraoral film is the:
The frame holder is the most common type of film holder for extraoral film. Clip and hinge holders are used primarily for intraoral film.
What occurs when the film is bent?
Dark lines appear when the film is bent. This can be prevented with the correct placement of the film. The correct packaging is also important.
To locate mandibular molars mounted on the view, look for how many roots?
When viewing mandibular molars on film, they are easily distinguished from maxillary molars by the one less root.
The film badge meter is meant to be used how many times?
It is recommended that a person should not be exposed to radiation more than a whole body dose of rem. What is rem?
The amount of radiation exposure is often measured in rem, which is equivalent to rad measurements. In general, it is recommended that the level of radiation must not exceed a whole body dose (in rems) of five times the number of years beyond age 18.
What is MOST true of the tooth highlighted in white?
The fact that the tooth is highlighted in bright white, is an indication that it is not a natural tooth. The long stem-like attachment to the tooth is the pin that is used to secure the tooth.
Of the following children, which patient would be MOST sensitive to radiation?
The 3 year old patient will be the most sensitive to radiation. The dentist will determine the radiation risks relative to the diagnostic benefit. In any case, the goal in dental radiography is always to minimize exposure.
Lines on a film image are the result of:
Film bending will cause lines to appear on the film. It will also cause improper angulation of the central X-ray beam.
Primary radiation is radiation received from what?
Primary radiation is radiation direct from the dental machine. The radiation is normally focused on the patient, who has been prepped and prepared for the exposure. The dental x-ray technician should never receive primary radiation, since radiation direct from the source is stronger and can be dangerous to the unprepared worker.
Of the following, what is true of the image?
Bitewing x-rays give a picture of the upper and lower back teeth, which this image does. There are no indications of any dental problems.
To minimize patient risk, all of the following are proper procedures, except
You should use a fast speed film in order to protect the patient from radiation. Slower film speeds take longer to finish and therefore use more radiation to complete the x-ray.
How will a 15 kVp increase affect density
The higher the kVp, the greater the density. For every increase of 15 kVp, the density will double.
Genetic information is necessary for the production and functioning of a new organism. Genetic information is contained in what part of the germ (sperm or ova) cell?
Genetic information is contained chromosomes in the sperm and ovum. These cells contain 23 chromosomes each, which are paired during fertilization of the ovum.
How many types of position indicating devices (PID) are available?
The three types of PIDs are rectangle, round, and conical. Rectangle is the most preferred PID because it reduces the risk of scatter radiation and can be concentrated to one area. Round PIDs are rarely used unless they are under a rectangle frame. Conical PIDs are no longer used during procedures due to their high risk of scatter radiation and increased exposure to the patient.
Patient effective dose for bitewing x-rays of the full mouth is:
The patient effective dose for bitewing x-rays of the full mouth is 1.5 mrem. This dose is slightly less than four times the amount of a single bitewing x-ray dose.
What causes emulsion tears?
When wet films touch, they take emulsion off each other. This is an emulsion tear. Tearing can also be caused by fingernails and placement too close to the edge of the processor.
An x-ray’s suitable penetrating power ranges from
The acceptable range for kilovolt peak is 50-10 kVp. This is the penetrating power of the x-ray beam.
Where does the incisive foramen appear?
The incisive foramen appears in between the two central incisors. This structure is a radio-lucent landmark of maxillary radiographs. It may also appear as a radio-lucent feature near the cuspid or lateral incisor borders.
When the embossing pattern from the lead foil backing in the film packet appears on the X-ray:
When the film has been placed into the X-ray machine backwards, the embossing pattern from the lead foil backing in the film packet will appear on the X-ray. It is for this reason that the dental operator must ensure the film is placed into the X-ray machine properly.
During manual processing, to obtain optimum fixing, the film must remain in the fixer solution for:
For optimum fixing, radiographic film should be left in the fixer solution for 10 minutes. If a film is not properly fixed, it will be brown or faded.
When the parent of a patient does not want their child to receive an X-ray, the dental worker should:
There are times when a parent does not want their child to receive an X-ray. In these situations, the dentist should be informed and a note regarding the refusal should be noted in the patient’s chart.
The X-ray image may be damaged if:
If the film is left in the wash water for an extended period of time, the image may be damaged. The developing solution should always be stirred and the continuous agitation of the water in the rinse cycle is required.
The main purpose of designating certain areas as controlled or restricted is to:
The main purpose of designating certain areas as “controlled” is to protect not only the patients but other staff who work in the dental office. Controlled areas help to minimize occupational exposure to staff.
The result of immersing contaminated exposed film packets in a disinfecting solution is:
Exposed film packets should never be immersed in a disinfecting solution. Immersing them in any liquid will destroy the image. It is acceptable to wipe the exposed film with a dry paper towel to remove any saliva or blood.
What is the most important step the dentist can take to protect patients from x-radiation?
Radiographs are normally ordered once it is determined that the benefit of the radiographs outweighs the risk of the patient being exposed. The best way the dentist can protect their patients from x-radiation is to order only procedures that are needed and eliminate excessive or unimportant radiographs. The less the patient has to have radiographs performed is less time they spend exposed to the radiation.
What will help limit patient movement during an intraoral exposure?
Patient movement will blur images. A headrest will help limit movement and prevent blurred images.
Which size film would you use for the bisecting technique?
Bisecting technique requires the same size film for the anterior and posterior teeth. The parallel technique use size 1 for the anterior and size 2 for the posterior.
When preparing a radiation contingency plan, which federal agency can provide information on occupational safety?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration can provide employers information to help protect employees and create a safe working environment. The EPA and FDA also contain information on radiation safety and materials.
Radiograph mounts typically indicate what during viewing?
When viewing mounted radiographs, the dental arches are indicated by the position of the maxillary and madibular jaw lines. Based on these positions, the radiographer can determine if the films are correctly aligned and at what position the head is facing
How often should x-rays be tested for quality control
It is necessary to test and calibrate equipment to ensure quality. This should be done yearly. Follow manufacturer guidelines if they recommend more frequent testing.
All of the following factors affect patient exposure to radiation. However, which factor can the dental radiograph operator manipulate to minimize radiation dose while capturing images?
The processing environment and method has a significant impact on the level radiation patients are exposed to in dental radiography. Operators must ensure they take and develop films correctly. Otherwise, the patients are subjected to re-takes. While capturing images, the operator can manipulate the beam alignment and patient position to ensure optimal quality images.
For quality assurance purposes, all of the following should be checked on a daily basis except:
Darkroom operations should be performed on a quarterly basis. Filtration systems should be checked annually and after servicing.
Film hangers should be cleaned in a solution of water and
Film hangers should be cleaned in a solution of water and sodium bicarbonate. The film hangers should be soaked for one hour at 100-125 degrees.
What should be done before the patient’s chin tilt is adjusted?
There are 10 steps necessary for a panoramic radiograph. Before adjusting the chin tilt, the patient needs to bite the bite rod.
What occurs when the horizontal angulation is not calculated correctly
Horizontal angulation must be aimed at the perpendicular to the arch’s curve. When the angle is not correct, the image will be overlapping. This makes it difficult to see interproximal spaces.
What happens if the chemistry is depleted when developing a panoramic film?
Weak chemistry creates a weak picture. The image will appear washed out if the chemistry is depleted. Panoramics are large and may deplete chemistry faster
What is the proper way to change the bank of bulbs on a radiographic viewbox?
Radiograph viewboxes should be maintained on a regular basis. The entire bank of bulbs should be changed simultaneously.
The x-ray displays an image of which of the following?
The implant is highlighted in white. The roots are stem-like, typically made of titanium and attached to the implant.
What is one way to cause unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient?
When radiograph technical or user errors occur, this causes an error in the patient’s films and image results, which in turn require the radiographs to be retaken. If a procedure has to be duplicated due to errors, this causes unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient and increases their risk for radiation damage.
Movement of the X-ray tube during exposure can result in a
When the X-ray tube is moved during exposure, a blurred image will result. Other causes of blurred images include patient and film movement.
To mount radiographs, the radiographer must have a knowledge of:
To mount radiographs, the radiographer must have a knowledge of normal anatomy. Determining a diagnosis is not the responsibility of the radiographer.
How often do the you need to change the solution for a processor that does not use rollers?
Many automatic processors only need to be changed out every three weeks. Processors without rollers are slightly different. They needs to be changed every two weeks
Of the following, which is the second step of assessing risk of infection in a dental office?
When assessing risk for infection, a five stage process should be followed. These are: Stage 1 – “Look for the hazards.” Stage 2 – “Identify who is at risk.” Stage 3 – “Determine the level of risk.” Stage 4 – “Record what you find.” Stage 5 – “Review your assessment.”
The dental assistant has begun sterilizing “noncritical” items, as defined by the CDC. Of the following, which would NOT fit in the “noncritical” category?
With regard to the infection control (cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing) of patient care items, the CDC has outlined three categories based on the risk of infection when being used. These categories are critical, semicritical and noncritical. Special care must be given to “critical” items as they can be used to enter the bloodstream. Semicritical items come in contact with mucous membranes but they do not enter the bloodstream. Noncritical items contact the surface of the skin.
Jerry is putting away a series of disinfectants after sterilizing the work area. Where in the office can he find the list of potential hazards for each chemical?
The MSDS is a form provided in a occupational setting that lists the properties of various chemicals and other substances. It is intended to provide workers with instructions for handling or working with the substance in a safe manner, including information such as physical data, toxicity, health effects, first aid, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill-handling procedures. According to OSHA, these forms are required to be readily available to every employee and state that no chemical should be handled if it is not included here.
What does the CDC recommend for disinfection
The CDC recommends using Rapid disinfectants. These activate within 1 to three minutes. Others take up to 10 minutes.
Dental office should review new equipment for safety and engineering improvements:
OSHA requires dental offices review new equipment for safety and engineering improvements annually. Additionally, dental offices should involve non-managerial workers in evaluating potential equipment.
The dental assistant is using sealed glass ampules of bacterial endospores to monitor sterilization. What type of monitoring is being used?
There are three types of sterilization monitoring. These are biological, process indicators and dosage indicators.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations for dental offices relate to all of the following except:
Dental procedure and care for patients is not stipulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Other organizations, such as the American Dental Association, establish patient care guidelines for this profession. OSHA regulations for dentistry pertain to personal protective equipment, housekeeping, employee medical records and other worker safety issues.
For periodic maintenance of antiretraction mechanisms, dental personnel should:
Dental personnel should contact the dental unit manufacturer for periodic maintenance of antiretraction mechanisms. Each unit will have specific requirements.
A dental laser can damage to which of the following with prolonged use?
| Dental lasers are extremely bright. They can cause retinal damage. It is important never to look directly at the laser. |
With regard to sterility assurance, the dental assistant must conduct the second step of the program. Of the following, which is the second step?
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.
Dental health workers must clean their hands after all of the following except for after:
Dental health workers should wash or clean their hands before donning gloves. It is not necessary to clean the hands after donning gloves, but it is necessary after removing the contaminated gloves. It is also necessary to clean the hands after direct patient contact, touching contaminated equipment or handling waste.
A dental assisting team is constantly looking for ways to improve safety in their office. Recently a task force has been assembled to review practices and equipment. The team is looking at ways to improve radiation safety so they:
Quality improvement in a dental office involves reviewing and checking existing equipment. To ensure radiation safety, the assistants should check all radiation sources as well as contacting equipment manufacturers
Which of the following disinfecting chemicals would the dental assistant use to clean the walls of the office?
Walls and floors in the dental office that do not contain visible blood are considered noncritical surfaces and therefore only require low-level disinfecting. Of the preceding choices, Quaternary ammonium compounds are the only example of a low-level disinfectant. Glutaraldehydephenate and peraceetic acid can be used as sterilants and high-level disinfectants. Iodophors are intermediate-level disinfectants.
When recapping anesthetic needles, a healthcare worker should use:
Anesthetic needles should be recapped using the one-handed scoop technique. The dental team should never use a two-handed recapping procedure
Which of the following is used to handle chemicals?
Utility gloves are used in situations that do not involve patients. Utility gloves are used when handling chemicals.
The most common infections occupationally transmitted via sharps injuries during patient care are:
The most common infections occupationally transmitted via sharps injuries during patient care are Hep B, Hep C, and HIV. Another occupationally transmitted infection is tuberculosis.
What is a benefit of a chemiclave or chemical vapor sterilization?
The autoclave can cause materials to rust and dull. The chemical vapor of a chemiclave reduces rust. Chemical vapor does require ventilation to be effective.
Mercury requires which technique when it is being used?
Mercury is easily absorbed into the skin. This is why there is a no touch technique when handling mercury. Mercury is usually in capsules.
Which of the following is a droplet method of infection?
A cold is a droplet method of infection that is spread through aerosols. It occurs at every transmission level. It can be prevented with PPE and proper hand washing
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is found in the office’s dental unit water. Which of the following MOST likely describes the probable source and pathogenicity of the bacteria?
The two main probable sources of the spread of bacteria are via water and the mouth. Pathogenicity can be “low” or “opportunistic”.
Shoes need to be ____
Shoes should be closed toed to prevent accidental injury and contamination. Open shoes leave the wearer open to contaminates and pathogens. Shoes should also be comfortable.
It’s a busy day and you are working on a patient, and called to another room to examine another patient. What is the MOST effective way to prevent cross contamination and transmission of disease?
Proper hand hygiene is the most critical measure taken in the health care profession to prevent cross contamination and disease transmission. Changing your gown, protective eyewear and face mask may be beneficial but since they should not have direct contact with the patient, it is not the MOST beneficial.
Gloves should be discarded:
Dental professionals should discard and change gloves between each patients. Dental professionals should never touch their faces, patient charts, pens, computers or anything besides the patient and necessary equipment while gloved. Gloves should be changed during very long or dirty procedures.
The dental assistant is using a chemical that has the preceding symbol displayed on the container, What does the symbol mean?
The National Fire Protection Association has developed a color-coded system that’s used to describe flammability, health, reactivity and special hazards associated with chemicals. “Special hazards” includes symbols for “radioactive”, “poison”, “oxidizing agent” and “water reactive”. “Radioactive” is represented by a trefoil symbol.
According to OSHA’s Blood borne Pathogen’s standards, what should be done with a specimen that can puncture a primary container?
A secondary container is necessary for primary containers that may leak or be contaminated. Primary containers may be punctured. These need to be placed in secondary containers that are puncture proof.
To protect the health of dental professionals and dental patients, the American Dental Association (ADA) and Centers for Disease (CDC) control have recommended that dental professionals consider all patients as potentially infectious. The basis for this recommendation is:
The ADA and CDC recommends dental workers take caution because dental patients and workers may be exposed to a variety of pathogens via blood, oral secretions or respiratory aerosol. Additionally, some patients may be unaware they have an infection or fail to disclose they do have an infection.
What is used to mark the date on a packet being sterilized?
The contents of a packet need to be labeled. The date must also be labeled. A pencil will not dissolve or bleed like ink will.
The level of risk categories on the health hazard labels range from 0 to 4. What category would “Warning: Corrosive or toxic” fall under?
The categories on the label of the health hazard are as follows: 0 – No unusual hazard 1 – Caution: May cause irritation 2 – Warning: Harmful if inhaled 3 – Warning: Corrosive or toxic 4 – Danger: May be fatal
What occurs when tubes with biofilm are flushed?
Biofilm can builds up in water lines. Over time, it will shed fragments. Flushing the line will cause the biofilm to slough off the tubes.
Which of the following is a source of bacteria that should not be touched without washing hands afterward?
Cell phones are carriers of bacteria. Touching cell phones throughout the day transfers the bacteria to patients. This is a dangerous method of cross contamination
What occurs when equipment is contaminated?
Indirect contact occurs when an object is contaminated. Touching the object is indirect contact. This spreads the contaminants.
Hand pieces should be flushed with _____.
Hand pieces need to be flushed before it is used. It is also flushed between patients. The hand piece should be flushed with air water.
Bioburden consists of:
These are the components of bioburden. Bioburden is normally defined as the number of bacteria living on a surface that has not been sterilized.
What should not be used in dental rooms?
Carpet is not recommended in dental offices. Mercury and other substances can be trapped in carpet. Vacuuming can cause mercury to be released into the air.
Which of the following is true of standard sterilization wraps?
The FDA does not allow for the re-use of standard sterilization wraps. Doing so could negatively affect the chemical indicator’s ability as well as prevent the instruments from maintaining sterility once processed.
What offers control of materials being sterilized and prevents accidental punctures?
The cassette is used in both the disinfection and sterilization process. It is used to protect employees from punctures. It is also used to control the items being sterilized
What should be done with a wheel after it is used to polish?
The polish wheel needs to be sterilized after it is used. This should be done in the autoclave. There are also disposable wheels.
What should the pressure be when opening the door to the autoclave?
Care must be taken when opening the autoclave door. The pressure should be at zero. The temperature should also be zero.
Of the following, which is not considered an acute symptom associated with exposure to nitrous oxide, as per OSHA?
Acute symptoms are sharp or sudden. In addition to dizziness, irritability and difficulty breathing, OSHA has documented fatigue and headache with exposure to nitrous oxide.
The baseline of nitrous oxide used should be determined. It is crucial that the least amount, but most effective amount be used in a patient. What is typically the most amount of nitrous oxide to be used in an adult patient?
The baseline ratio should be observed, as the patient is relaxed, but also coherent. The least, but most effective amount should be used in each patient. Although it may vary among patients, 30% is generally the standard in adults, while it is less in children.
Skin integrity reduces _____ in the chain of infection
Susceptibility is a link in the chain of infection. Maintaining skin integrity reduces susceptibility. This reduces the risk of infection.
Which infectious waste material may be disposed of differently?
Patients may want to keep their teeth. Children may want them for the tooth fairy. If a tooth is returned it is no longer infectious waste. Local regulations govern the return of teeth.
What is Not always necessary when handling a contaminated tray?
Handling contaminated trays may or may not create aerosol contaminants. A mask is not needed if there is no aerosol. The other PPE items are necessary.
Why are standard precautions not sufficient enough to protect the DHCP while treating a patient with active TB?
The M. tuberculosis nuclei is an airborne pathogen, but the standard PPE surgical mask is unable to prevent inhalation of this organism and therefore can put the DHCP at risk for contracting TB. Extended precautions should be taken for active TB patients in the office, such as prompt isolation of the patient. Future patients should be deferred until it is confirmed the patient is no longer infectious.
What course of action should an employee take if proper infection control precautions are not met?
The Blood borne Pathogens Standard is implemented by OSHA. This standard is meant to protect employees from infection. OSHA should be contacted if the standard is not met.
Used barriers are examples of which of the following?
Contaminated waste has come in contact with bodily fluids. Disposal may be regulated by the state or local government. It is typically disposed of with general waste.
Which of the following will help prevent injury to the hands and wrist?
Leverage will decrease the amount of pressure used by the hands and wrists. This decreases the risk of injury. The other answers will increase the risk of injury.
What is the first step of glove removal?
There are two steps to removing glove. The first step is tucking one finger into the cuff of the other glove to invert it.
Goggles and glasses are _____ after each use.
Glasses and goggles are worn for eye protection. These are not typically disposable. They should be disinfected after each use.
The exposure control plan must be readily available to _____
What should be done with pumice after polishing in the lab?
Pumice is used for polishing in the lab. It cannot be sterilized or disinfected. It needs to be disposed of after it is used.
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