Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What type of disinfection is typically required for dental chairs?

1. Low level disinfection

2. Intermediate level disinfection

3. Sterilization

4. High level disinfection

The correct answer is: Intermediate level disinfection

The correct answer is intermediate level disinfection. Dental chairs require this level of disinfection because they are considered semi-critical items; they come into contact with mucous membranes but do not penetrate soft tissue or bone. Intermediate level disinfection using hospital-grade disinfectants is effective against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which is essential in a dental setting where exposure to blood and saliva is possible. This approach minimizes the risk of cross-contamination between patients, maintaining a safe and hygienic environment. High level disinfection is generally reserved for instruments that can directly enter sterile areas of the body, which is not the case with dental chairs. Low level disinfection is insufficient for the types of pathogens present in a dental practice, while sterilization is necessary for instruments that come into direct contact with blood or sterile tissues but is excessive for the surfaces of dental chairs.