Infection Control · single question
In the Hierarchy of Infection Control, what type of control is 'Elimination'?
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Correct answer: D. Virtual/telehealth appointment (removes physical contact entirely)
The Hierarchy of Infection Control (from most to least effective): 1. ELIMINATION (remove the hazard entirely), 2. Substitution, 3. Engineering controls, 4. Administrative controls, 5. PPE. ELIMINATION = completely removing the risk of exposure — in dentistry/healthcare, a virtual/telehealth appointment eliminates physical contact and thus eliminates the infection transmission risk entirely. It is the HIGHEST level of control.
- A. Incorrect. Hand washing is a PPE/administrative control — it is the LOWEST level of the hierarchy. It reduces but does not eliminate risk.
- B. CORRECT. A virtual appointment ELIMINATES the physical encounter, thus eliminating the transmission hazard — this is the highest tier of the infection control hierarchy.
- C. Incorrect. N95 respirators are Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — the LOWEST tier of the hierarchy (least effective at eliminating risk).
- D. Incorrect. Administrative controls (scheduling, separating patients, protocols) are 4th in the hierarchy — above PPE but below engineering controls and elimination.
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