1. The term infection control means:
   1. preventing spread of bacteria between humans.
   2. treating humans who are infected.
   3. controlling the spread of disease agents by performing specific procedures.
   4. treating the dental operatory exactly the same as a hospital surgical suite.
   
   
2. The first step in an effective infection control program is:
   1. using quaternary-ammonium wipes on all furniture.
   2. proper training.
   3. recognizing the dentist as the infection control expert.
   4. using sodium hypochlorite on all hard surfaces.
   
   
3. The exposure control plan is a written plan that requires the employer to:
   1. identify which individuals have occupational exposure.
   2. purchase a US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)–approved video on infection control.
   3. contact the state licensing agency for inspection of the facility.
   4. purchase only products with the OSHA Seal of Approval.
   
   
4. Each office should have what for exposure incidents?
   1. immunoglobulin
   2. epinephrine
   3. antihistamines
   4. step-by-step checklist
   
   
5. Effective handwashing includes vigorously rubbing together all surfaces of lathered hands for at least:
   1. 10 seconds.
   2. 20 seconds.
   3. 1 minute.
   4. 3 minutes.
   
   
6. Dental health care providers should change protective clothing when it:
   1. becomes visibly soiled.
   2. is penetrated by blood.
   3. is penetrated by other potentially infectious fluids.
   4. all of the above
   
   
7. A surgical facemask should be changed:
   1. after every patient.
   2. twice a day.
   3. after every procedure that draws blood.
   4. once a day.
   
   
8. Environmental surfaces are surfaces that:
   1. are outdoors.
   2. become contaminated during patient treatment.
   3. are inherently porous.
   4. can be removed for sterilization.
   
   
9. Items or surfaces that are likely to become contaminated and are difficult to clean and disinfect:
   1. should be avoided.
   2. should be protected with barriers.
   3. must be painted with bacteriostatic paint.
   4. can be replaced.
   
   
10. In the sterilization area, the receiving, cleaning, and decontamination area is best located:
    1. where the patient can view your sterilization process.
    2. by the sink.
    3. hidden from patient view.
    4. next to a large table for organizing.
    
    
11. Critical items:
    1. penetrate soft tissue or bone.
    2. have the greatest risk of transmitting infection.
    3. should be sterilized by heat.
    4. all of the above
    
    
12. What is a method for sterilizing unwrapped patient care items in the sterilizer for immediate use only?
    1. hypochlorite bath
    2. alcohol rinse
    3. flash sterilization
    4. chemical sterilization
    
    
13. Correct functioning of sterilization cycles should be verified for each sterilizer by:
    1. biological indicators.
    2. following manufacturers’ directions.
    3. by recording maximum observed temperature.
    4. ensuring full length of time for each cycle.
    
    
14. Spore test results must be:
    1. destroyed after removal from the sterilizer.
    2. entered in the OSHA database.
    3. maintained in a log.
    4. sent to the state licensing agency.
    
    
15. To investigate why the sterilizer is not functioning, the infection control coordinator must first:
    1. run a test strip.
    2. rule out operator error.
    3. review any OSHA updates.
    4. unplug the sterilizer.

This article provides 2 hours of CE credit from Ascend Dental Media. Record your answers on the answer sheet (PDF) or submit them on a separate sheet of paper. You may also phone your answers in to 888.596.4605 or fax them to 703.404.1801. Be sure to include your name, address, and telephone number. "DANB Approval" indicates that a CE course appears to meet certain specifications as described in the DANB Recertification Guidelines. DANB does not, however, endorse or recommend any particular CE course and is not responsible for the quality of any course content.