Infection Control, Sterilization, and Clinical Safety Standards
What this domain tests
Oregon requires dental practices to follow recognized infection-control standards, including CDC guidance and OSHA bloodborne-pathogen rules. Exam items test instrument classification, sterilization monitoring, and safe clinical practice.
Core rules
- Critical items, such as surgical instruments and scalers that penetrate tissue, must be cleaned and sterilized. Semicritical items touch mucous membranes and generally require sterilization or high-level disinfection. Noncritical surfaces require cleaning and disinfection.
- Sterilization must be monitored mechanically, chemically, and biologically. Biological spore testing is done at the frequency set by rule; records must be kept.
- Standard precautions apply to all patients: hand hygiene, gloves, masks, eye protection, gowns when indicated, and safe sharps handling.
- Dental unit waterlines and suction lines require the maintenance and monitoring specified by the manufacturer and rule.
Worked example
A bur is dropped on the floor. Wiping it with a surface disinfectant is not enough. The bur must be cleaned, packaged, and sterilized before use, with the cycle monitored according to office protocol. If the autoclave fails a biological test, instruments from that cycle are not used until the problem is corrected and the load is reprocessed.
Traps that cost marks
Confusing disinfection with sterilization. Skipping biological monitoring because chemical indicators changed color. Using an autoclave without following the manufacturer's cycle. Reusing single-use items. Ignoring waterline maintenance.
Key exam distinction
OSHA governs worker protection; the Board's infection-control rule governs clinical practice. Both apply.