Dental Assistant Practice Exam

How is splash/splatter transmission characterized in a clinical setting?

1. Contact with contaminated instruments

2. Contact with blood or body fluids onto intact skin

3. Contact with blood, saliva or other body fluids onto unbroken skin/mucosa

4. Contact through respiratory droplets

The correct answer is: Contact with blood, saliva or other body fluids onto unbroken skin/mucosa

Splash/splatter transmission is characterized by the contact of blood, saliva, or other body fluids with unbroken skin or mucosa. In a clinical dental setting, procedures often generate droplets or splashes of these fluids, which can be a route for pathogens to enter the body, especially when they come into contact with mucous membranes such as those found in the mouth, nose, or eyes. This type of transmission is particularly relevant in dentistry, where various treatments can produce aerosolized particles containing infectious agents. Understanding this mode of transmission is essential for implementing proper infection control precautions, as it emphasizes the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and face shields, to prevent this form of exposure. Additionally, regular hand hygiene practices are vital for minimizing the risk of any potential contamination that might occur through this route. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of splash/splatter transmission. For instance, contact with contaminated instruments primarily refers to fomite transmission, and contact with intact skin doesn't pose the same risk as contact with unbroken skin or mucosa, where exposure to infectious agents is more concerning.