Infection Control, Sterilization, and Safety Standards
Regulatory sources
Missouri dental infection-control requirements come from Board rules, the CDC "Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings," and OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. The exam tests standard precautions, not a diagnosis-based approach: treat all patients as potentially infectious.
Core practices
Use PPE (gloves, mask, eye protection, gown) and perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact. Handle sharps safely and dispose in rigid containers. Clean instruments before sterilization; package and autoclave or use an approved sterilizer; store sterilized packs properly. Monitor sterilizers with mechanical indicators, chemical indicators, and biological spore tests at the frequency required by rule/CDC (typically weekly). Maintain dental unit waterlines and follow manufacturer/flushing protocols. Use barriers or disinfect surfaces between patients.
Worked example
An autoclave tape strip turns dark after a cycle, so the office skips the weekly spore test. That is insufficient: tape is a chemical indicator of exposure, not proof of sterilization. A failed spore test requires the office to stop using the sterilizer, recall/notify as indicated, and retest after repair.
Traps that cost marks
Do not say "autoclave tape proves sterilization." Do not use high-level disinfectant for critical instruments that penetrate tissue; they need sterilization. Do not skip spore testing because the office is small. Do not let a busy schedule justify reusing gloves or skipping hand hygiene.