DANB ICE study guide
DANB ICE · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The DANB Infection Control Examination (ICE) is a multiple-choice exam from the Dental Assisting National Board that tests whether a dental team member can apply infection prevention principles in a working operatory rather than simply recite them. It is intended for dental assistants and other oral healthcare workers who need to document infection control competency - for a credential, for a state requirement, or for employer documentation. DANB sets eligibility rules and determines how a passing score is used, so candidates should confirm their own situation with DANB before registering. The content is organized into four areas: infection control concepts and standard precautions; environmental asepsis and surface management; sterilization and disinfection of instruments and equipment; and occupational safety plus the administrative side of an infection control program. The DANB ICE study guide has 4 sections and about 1,277 words.
01Infection Control Concepts and Standard Precautions
Infection control in dentistry rests on one idea: every patient is potentially infectious. Standard precautions require you to treat blood, saliva, and other potentially infectious material (OPIM) as if they carry bloodborne pathogens, regardless of the patient's diagnosis.
333 words, about 2 min02Environmental Asepsis and Surface Management
Environmental asepsis separates clean from contaminated. Clinical contact surfaces-light handles, bracket trays, chair switches, drawer pulls-are touched during care and need a barrier or cleaning plus an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant.
297 words, about 1 min03Sterilization and Disinfection of Instruments and Equipment
Classify every item before choosing a process. Critical items penetrate soft tissue or enter the bloodstream-forceps, scalpel blades, surgical burs-and must be sterile.
320 words, about 2 min04Occupational Safety and Infection Control Administration
OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires a written exposure control plan, reviewed and updated at least annually. The plan identifies tasks and employees with occupational exposure, outlines standard precautions, engineering controls (sharps containers, safer devices), work-practice controls, PPE, housekeeping, and hepatitis B vaccination.
327 words, about 2 min