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NEBDN Diploma (Dental Nursing) study materials
NEBDN Diploma (Dental Nursing) study resources

NEBDN Diploma (Dental Nursing) practice questions

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Question 1Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which piece of legislation places a statutory duty on dental practices in the UK to keep patients' personal information confidential?

  1. The Consumer Rights Act 2015
  2. The Dentists Act 1984
  3. The Data Protection Act 2018 Correct answer.
  4. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Explanation

The Data Protection Act 2018, working with the UK GDPR, governs how personal and health data must be handled and kept secure. Confidentiality is a core professional duty supported by this legal framework.

Question 2Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

What is the primary purpose of the General Dental Council's Standards for the Dental Team?

  1. To set out the conduct and behaviours expected of all dental professionals Correct answer.
  2. To replace local practice policies entirely
  3. To define the clinical steps for every dental procedure
  4. To provide a fee schedule for private dental treatment

Explanation

The Standards describe the professional and ethical expectations placed on registered dental professionals. They guide conduct, patient care and accountability rather than clinical technique or pricing.

Question 3Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

A patient becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally in the dental chair. What should the dental nurse do first?

  1. Place the patient in the recovery position and monitor
  2. Administer a glucose drink to raise blood sugar
  3. Record the event in the patient's notes before acting
  4. Call for emergency help and begin CPR according to current resuscitation guidelines Correct answer.

Explanation

An unresponsive patient who is not breathing normally requires immediate activation of emergency services and prompt CPR. Basic life support follows a recognised sequence of airway, breathing and circulation support.

Question 4Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which instrument is most appropriate for removing supragingival calculus during a routine scale?

  1. An ultrasonic scaler tip Correct answer.
  2. A periodontal pocket marker
  3. A straight probe
  4. A mouth mirror

Explanation

Ultrasonic scalers use vibration and water irrigation to remove deposits from tooth surfaces efficiently. Hand scalers may also be used, but probes and mirrors are assessment instruments.

Question 5Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Why is it important to maintain the dental chair's waterlines by flushing and disinfection?

  1. To reduce microbial biofilm that can be expelled into the patient's mouth Correct answer.
  2. To reduce the noise of the suction unit
  3. To keep the chair upholstery free from stains
  4. To improve the brightness of the operating light

Explanation

Dental unit waterlines can develop biofilm that harbours microorganisms, which may then be aerosolised during treatment. Regular flushing and disinfection help keep water quality within accepted limits.

Question 6Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Under the UK GDPR, what is the correct term for the dental practice that decides how patient data is used?

  1. The data subject
  2. The data processor
  3. The data controller Correct answer.
  4. The data guardian

Explanation

The data controller determines the purposes and means of processing personal data. The patient is the data subject, and a processor handles data on the controller's behalf.

Question 7Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

A patient with a known allergy to latex is booked for a restorative appointment. Which action best reflects safe practice?

  1. Double-glove with standard latex gloves for extra protection
  2. Ask the patient to bring their own gloves
  3. Use latex-free gloves and ensure other latex items are avoided Correct answer.
  4. Proceed as normal and monitor for a reaction

Explanation

For a latex-allergic patient, all latex-containing items should be avoided and latex-free alternatives used. This prevents contact and airborne reactions during treatment.

Question 8Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

What is the main purpose of the dental nurse keeping accurate, contemporaneous clinical records?

  1. To provide a defensible account of the care delivered Correct answer.
  2. To reduce the need for verbal communication with the dentist
  3. To replace the need for informed consent
  4. To increase the practice's private treatment revenue

Explanation

Contemporaneous records create an accurate account of care that supports continuity and can be relied upon if questions arise later. They do not replace consent or communication.

Question 9Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following best describes the principle of 'valid consent' in dental care?

  1. Consent implied because the patient attended the appointment
  2. Consent given voluntarily by a patient with capacity after adequate information Correct answer.
  3. Consent recorded once and valid for all future treatment
  4. Consent given by a relative on the patient's behalf in all cases

Explanation

Valid consent must be voluntary, informed and given by a patient who has capacity to decide. It relates to the specific treatment and can be withdrawn at any time.

Question 10Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of these is a recognised sign of a vasovagal syncope (faint) episode?

  1. Sudden pallor with a slow pulse Correct answer.
  2. Chest pain radiating to the left arm
  3. High fever with a rash
  4. Deep rapid breathing with a fast pulse

Explanation

Vasovagal syncope typically causes pallor, sweating and bradycardia as blood pressure falls. Lying the patient flat and raising the legs usually helps recovery.

Question 11Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the most appropriate method for sterilising wrapped dental instruments before storage?

  1. Wiping with an alcohol swab
  2. Soaking in chlorhexidine solution
  3. A validated steam autoclave cycle Correct answer.
  4. Rinsing in hot water

Explanation

A validated steam autoclave cycle achieves sterilisation of wrapped instruments and keeps them sterile until used. Chemical wipes and rinses do not reliably sterilise instruments.

Question 12Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

A dental nurse notices a colleague repeatedly failing to wear eye protection during aerosol-generating procedures. What is the most appropriate first step?

  1. Ignore the behaviour because it is the colleague's personal choice
  2. Report the colleague immediately to the police
  3. Raise the concern directly with the colleague and, if unresolved, follow local reporting procedures Correct answer.
  4. Discuss it with patients in the waiting room

Explanation

Professional duty includes promoting safe practice; concerns should first be raised locally and escalated through appropriate channels if needed. This supports a safety culture and protects patients and staff.

Question 13Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the primary reason for using rubber dam during endodontic treatment?

  1. To reduce the need for local anaesthetic
  2. To whiten the tooth being treated
  3. To isolate the tooth and reduce the risk of swallowing or inhaling materials Correct answer.
  4. To speed up the setting of the filling material

Explanation

Rubber dam isolates the operative field and protects the airway from irrigants and small instruments. It also improves moisture control and visibility.

Question 14Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following describes the correct action when a sharps injury occurs?

  1. Wait until the end of the day to report it
  2. Encourage bleeding, wash with soap and water, and report the incident promptly Correct answer.
  3. Apply a tourniquet above the injury
  4. Suck the wound to remove contamination

Explanation

After a sharps injury, the wound should be encouraged to bleed, washed with soap and water, and the incident reported immediately so risk assessment and follow-up can begin.

Question 15Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

What is the main function of the periodontal ligament?

  1. To attach the tooth to the alveolar bone and absorb occlusal forces Correct answer.
  2. To produce enamel during tooth development
  3. To supply the tooth with a hard outer covering
  4. To seal the gingival margin against bacteria

Explanation

The periodontal ligament is a fibrous tissue that anchors the tooth in its socket and cushions forces during chewing. It also contains blood vessels and nerve endings.

Question 16Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

A patient is prescribed amoxicillin for a dental infection. Which information is most important for the dental nurse to confirm before the patient starts the course?

  1. Whether the patient has dental insurance
  2. Whether the patient prefers tablets to capsules
  3. Whether the patient has recently travelled abroad
  4. Whether the patient has a known penicillin allergy Correct answer.

Explanation

Penicillin allergy is a key safety check before prescribing amoxicillin because it can cause severe reactions. Confirming allergy status is a standard part of safe prescribing.

Question 17Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following best describes the role of the dental nurse as a chaperone during an examination?

  1. To support the patient and clinician and to protect all parties during intimate or close-contact care Correct answer.
  2. To record the patient's financial details
  3. To take over the examination if the dentist is delayed
  4. To provide clinical advice to the patient independently

Explanation

A chaperone provides support and reassurance while safeguarding patients and clinicians during close-contact procedures. The role does not involve independent clinical advice.

Question 18Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the most appropriate action when a patient discloses that they are being abused at home?

  1. Record the disclosure only if the dentist agrees
  2. Listen without judgement and follow the practice's safeguarding procedure Correct answer.
  3. Promise the patient complete secrecy from everyone
  4. Advise the patient to confront the abuser immediately

Explanation

Safeguarding requires careful listening, accurate recording and following local safeguarding protocols. Absolute secrecy cannot be promised where there is a risk of harm.

Question 19Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the correct order for donning personal protective equipment before a procedure?

  1. Perform hand hygiene, then apply gloves, apron and eye protection Correct answer.
  2. Apply gloves first, then wash hands
  3. Apply eye protection only if the patient requests it
  4. Apply apron after gloves and eye protection

Explanation

Hand hygiene precedes PPE use, and PPE is applied before contact with the patient or contaminated items. Gloves are applied after hand hygiene to avoid contaminating the hands.

Question 20Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

What is the main purpose of the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R) in dental practice?

  1. To protect patients and staff from unnecessary or excessive radiation exposure Correct answer.
  2. To determine the colour of radiographic film
  3. To set the fee for dental radiographs
  4. To regulate the sale of dental chairs

Explanation

IR(ME)R establishes duties to justify, optimise and limit radiation exposure to patients and staff. It underpins safe use of dental radiography.

Question 21Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

A patient with a severe peanut allergy is scheduled for treatment. Which of the following best supports their safety during the appointment?

  1. Ask the patient to bring their own materials
  2. Assume dental materials never contain allergens
  3. Check the ingredients of all materials and confirm the allergy in the medical history Correct answer.
  4. Delay recording the allergy until after treatment

Explanation

Allergies must be recorded and materials checked to avoid allergens such as certain oils or latex. Proactive checking supports safe treatment planning.

Question 22Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following best describes the term 'duty of care' in dental nursing?

  1. A rule that only dentists are responsible for patient safety
  2. A legal and ethical obligation to act in the patient's best interests Correct answer.
  3. A requirement to treat every patient free of charge
  4. A guideline that applies only during surgery hours

Explanation

Duty of care is the legal and ethical obligation to protect patients' wellbeing and act in their best interests. It applies to all members of the dental team.

Question 23Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the most appropriate method to verify a patient's identity before taking a radiograph?

  1. Assume identity from the appointment list alone
  2. Ask another patient in the waiting room
  3. Ask the patient to state their full name and date of birth and check against the record Correct answer.
  4. Check only the patient's address

Explanation

Confirming name and date of birth against the record reduces the risk of misidentification and wrong-site radiography. This is a core patient safety check.

Question 24Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is a key reason for using a pre-procedural mouthrinse before aerosol-generating procedures?

  1. To reduce the microbial load in aerosols produced during treatment Correct answer.
  2. To sterilise the dental unit
  3. To whiten the teeth during scaling
  4. To numb the patient's gums

Explanation

A pre-procedural rinse can reduce the number of microorganisms in saliva and therefore in generated aerosols. It supports infection control but does not replace other measures.

Question 25Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following best describes the purpose of clinical audit in a dental practice?

  1. To assess individual staff for disciplinary action
  2. To calculate the practice's annual profit
  3. To replace the need for continuing professional development
  4. To compare current practice against agreed standards and improve quality of care Correct answer.

Explanation

Clinical audit measures practice against defined standards and identifies improvements in patient care. It is a quality improvement tool, not a disciplinary or financial process.

Question 26Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the primary purpose of the Medical Devices Directive in relation to dental instruments?

  1. To require annual calibration of all handpieces
  2. To specify the colour coding of instrument trays
  3. To ensure instruments are safe and fit for purpose Correct answer.
  4. To regulate the cost of dental instruments

Explanation

The Medical Devices Directive (and its successor, the Medical Devices Regulation) sets essential requirements for safety and performance of medical devices, including dental instruments, so they are fit for their intended use. It does not govern tray colours, pricing, or specific calibration intervals.

Question 27Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the most appropriate way for a dental nurse to communicate with a patient who has a hearing impairment?

  1. Ask the patient to bring a hearing friend
  2. Speak loudly and slowly
  3. Use written information and visual aids Correct answer.
  4. Exaggerate lip movements

Explanation

Patients with hearing impairment benefit from clear written information, visual aids, and, where appropriate, a sign language interpreter. Speaking loudly or exaggerating lip movements can distort speech and is not effective; relying on a friend may breach confidentiality.

Question 28Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the correct method for cleaning a dental nurse's hands before donning gloves?

  1. Use alcohol hand rub only
  2. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds Correct answer.
  3. Rinse with water only
  4. Use a disinfectant wipe

Explanation

Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially when visibly soiled or before a procedure, to remove transient microorganisms. Alcohol rub is not effective against some pathogens (e.g., norovirus) and is not a substitute for washing when hands are soiled.

Question 29Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

What is the recommended maximum duration for storing sterilised instruments in a dry, closed cabinet before re-sterilisation is required?

  1. 30 days Correct answer.
  2. 7 days
  3. 21 days
  4. 14 days

Explanation

Sterilised instruments kept in a dry, closed cabinet can be stored for up to 30 days before they must be reprocessed, according to UK guidance. This period assumes the packaging remains intact and the storage conditions are maintained.

Question 30Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the most important reason for a dental nurse to maintain their continuing professional development (CPD)?

  1. To compete with colleagues
  2. To reduce their working hours
  3. To meet registration requirements and ensure safe practice Correct answer.
  4. To increase their salary

Explanation

CPD is a requirement for registration with the General Dental Council and ensures that dental professionals maintain and develop the knowledge and skills needed for safe, effective practice. It is not primarily about salary, competition, or working hours.

Question 31Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following best describes the term 'confidentiality' in dental practice?

  1. Discussing patients in public areas
  2. Keeping patient information private and only disclosing it with consent or when legally required Correct answer.
  3. Sharing patient information freely with all staff
  4. Storing records in an open accessible area

Explanation

Confidentiality means protecting patient information from unauthorised disclosure. It is a legal and ethical duty, and information should only be shared with consent or when there is a legal obligation (e.g., public interest).

Question 32Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

What is the primary purpose of the Hazardous Waste Regulations in dental practice?

  1. To ensure safe disposal of hazardous waste Correct answer.
  2. To mandate the use of incinerators
  3. To reduce the cost of waste collection
  4. To encourage recycling of amalgam

Explanation

The Hazardous Waste Regulations control the management and disposal of waste that poses a risk to health or the environment, such as amalgam, sharps, and certain chemicals. They do not focus on cost reduction, recycling targets, or specific disposal methods like incineration.

Question 33Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the correct way to dispose of a used local anaesthetic cartridge?

  1. In a recycling bin
  2. In the general waste
  3. In a sharps container Correct answer.
  4. In a clinical waste bag

Explanation

Used local anaesthetic cartridges are contaminated sharps and must be disposed of in a sharps container to prevent injury and infection. They should never be placed in general waste, clinical waste bags, or recycling.

Question 34Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the most appropriate action if a dental nurse suspects a patient is experiencing anaphylaxis?

  1. Lay the patient flat and raise their legs
  2. Give the patient water to drink
  3. Administer an antihistamine
  4. Call for emergency help and administer adrenaline if trained Correct answer.

Explanation

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring immediate call for emergency services and administration of adrenaline (epinephrine) by trained personnel. Antihistamines are not first-line, and laying flat or giving water may worsen the situation.

Question 35Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the correct procedure for taking a patient's blood pressure using a manual sphygmomanometer?

  1. Position the cuff on the upper arm at heart level Correct answer.
  2. Measure while the patient is standing
  3. Place the cuff over the elbow joint
  4. Inflate the cuff rapidly to 180 mmHg then deflate slowly

Explanation

The cuff should be placed on the upper arm at heart level, with the patient seated and rested, to obtain an accurate reading. Placing over the elbow joint or measuring while standing can give inaccurate results.

Question 36Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the most appropriate way to store dental radiographs to comply with legal requirements?

  1. In a locked cabinet for at least 11 years Correct answer.
  2. In a fireproof safe for 5 years
  3. In the patient's general file for 7 years
  4. In an open shelf for easy access

Explanation

In the UK, dental radiographs must be stored securely for a minimum of 11 years from the date of the last entry, or until the patient is 25 if they were under 18. They should be kept in a locked cabinet to maintain confidentiality and prevent loss.

Question 37Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following best describes the role of the dental nurse in infection prevention and control?

  1. To clean and sterilise instruments and maintain a clean environment Correct answer.
  2. To diagnose infections
  3. To prescribe antibiotics for infections
  4. To perform surgical procedures

Explanation

The dental nurse is responsible for decontamination, sterilisation, and maintaining a clean clinical environment to prevent cross-infection. Prescribing, diagnosing, and performing surgery are outside the dental nurse's scope of practice.

Question 38Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the correct method for disposing of used developer and fixer solutions in dental radiography?

  1. Pour down the sink with plenty of water
  2. Evaporate in a fume cupboard
  3. Mix with general waste
  4. Store in a designated hazardous waste container for collection Correct answer.

Explanation

Developer and fixer solutions contain chemicals that are hazardous to the environment and must be collected as hazardous waste by a licensed contractor. Pouring down the sink or mixing with general waste is illegal and unsafe.

Question 39Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the most important factor in preventing cross-infection from contaminated laundry?

  1. Storing in an open basket
  2. Washing at 30°C
  3. Washing at 60°C or above with detergent Correct answer.
  4. Air drying only

Explanation

Contaminated laundry should be washed at a minimum of 60°C with detergent to kill microorganisms, or using a thermal disinfection cycle. Lower temperatures may not be effective, and air drying alone does not disinfect.

Question 40Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the correct action if a patient faints during a procedure?

  1. Give them a sugary drink immediately
  2. Leave them alone to recover
  3. Ask them to sit upright and take deep breaths
  4. Place them in a supine position with legs elevated Correct answer.

Explanation

For a vasovagal faint, the patient should be laid supine with legs elevated to improve cerebral blood flow. Giving drinks immediately is unsafe as the airway may be compromised; sitting upright can worsen the faint.

Question 41Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the most appropriate way to communicate with a patient who does not speak English?

  1. Use a professional interpreter Correct answer.
  2. Use hand gestures only
  3. Ask a family member to interpret
  4. Speak loudly in English

Explanation

Using a professional interpreter ensures accurate and confidential communication. Asking family members can lead to misunderstandings and breaches of confidentiality, and speaking loudly or using gestures alone is insufficient.

Question 42Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the correct procedure for performing a spore test on an autoclave?

  1. Place a chemical indicator strip on the outside of the pouch
  2. Check the temperature gauge during the cycle
  3. Place a biological indicator in a dummy load and run a cycle Correct answer.
  4. Visually inspect the instruments after sterilisation

Explanation

A spore test uses biological indicators containing bacterial spores placed within a load to verify that the autoclave has achieved sterilisation conditions. Chemical indicators and temperature checks are monitoring tools but do not directly test lethality.

Question 43Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following best describes the principle of 'clinical governance' in dental practice?

  1. A process for hiring new staff
  2. A system for managing financial budgets
  3. A method for scheduling appointments
  4. A framework for continuously improving quality and safety of patient care Correct answer.

Explanation

Clinical governance is a framework through which dental practices are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care. It encompasses risk management, audit, and patient involvement, not financial or administrative tasks.

Question 44Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the most appropriate action if a dental nurse receives a needlestick injury from a contaminated needle?

  1. Encourage bleeding and wash with soap and water Correct answer.
  2. Apply a tight bandage immediately
  3. Suck the wound to remove blood
  4. Ignore it if the needle was not visibly bloody

Explanation

After a needlestick injury, the area should be encouraged to bleed, washed with soap and water, and reported immediately to allow risk assessment and post-exposure prophylaxis if needed. Sucking the wound or applying a tight bandage is not recommended.

Question 45Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the correct way to store sterilised instruments before use?

  1. In a wet environment
  2. On an open tray
  3. In a dry, closed cabinet Correct answer.
  4. In a refrigerator

Explanation

Sterilised instruments should be stored in a dry, closed cabinet to prevent recontamination and maintain sterility. Wet or open storage increases the risk of microbial growth and contamination.

Question 46Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the most appropriate way to manage a patient with a known latex allergy during a dental procedure?

  1. Wear latex gloves but avoid powder
  2. Use latex-free gloves and materials Correct answer.
  3. Ask the patient to bring their own gloves
  4. Proceed as normal but monitor for reactions

Explanation

For a patient with latex allergy, all latex-containing products must be avoided, including gloves, dams, and other materials. Using powdered latex or proceeding as normal risks a severe allergic reaction.

Question 47Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the primary purpose of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations in dental practice?

  1. To reduce the cost of materials
  2. To encourage the use of hazardous substances
  3. To mandate the use of gloves
  4. To protect staff and patients from hazardous substances Correct answer.

Explanation

COSHH requires employers to assess and control risks from hazardous substances, such as chemicals and dust, to protect health. It does not aim to reduce costs, encourage hazardous substance use, or specifically mandate gloves.

Question 48Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following best explains the term 'verifiable consent' in the context of dental treatment?

  1. Consent implied by the patient's attendance
  2. Consent given verbally only
  3. Consent that is documented and can be confirmed Correct answer.
  4. Consent given by a relative

Explanation

Verifiable consent means that the consent process is documented and can be evidenced, for example by a signed form or a clear record in the notes. Verbal consent may be valid but is harder to verify; implied consent is not sufficient for significant procedures.

Question 49Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following is the most appropriate action if a dental nurse observes a colleague not following infection control protocols?

  1. Report the concern through the appropriate channels Correct answer.
  2. Confront the colleague in front of patients
  3. Discuss it with other colleagues
  4. Ignore it to avoid conflict

Explanation

Patient safety is paramount, and concerns about infection control breaches should be reported through the practice's governance or whistleblowing channels. Ignoring or discussing with others does not address the risk and may breach confidentiality.

Question 50Foundation of Dental Nursing: knowledge, skills and professional attributes

Which of the following best describes the term 'accountability' in dental nursing?

  1. Blaming others for mistakes
  2. Following orders without question
  3. Working without supervision
  4. Being responsible for one's actions and answerable to others Correct answer.

Explanation

Accountability means being responsible for your own actions and being prepared to justify them to patients, employers, and regulatory bodies. It involves reflective practice and openness, not blindly following orders or shifting blame.