Infection Control · single question
The minimum level of protection provided by a surgical face mask for dental procedures is:
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Correct answer: D. 95% bacterial filtration efficiency
- A. N95 respirators provide ≥95% filtration of airborne particles and are required for airborne infectious diseases (TB, COVID). They are above the minimum for routine dental procedures.
- B. 85% efficiency does not meet the ASTM standard minimum for a surgical dental mask.
- C. 99% efficiency is achieved by Level 2 and Level 3 ASTM-rated masks — this is above the minimum.
- D. Correct. ASTM F2100 Level 1 surgical masks must provide a minimum of 95% bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) to be considered appropriate for dental procedures. Most surgical masks meet this standard.
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