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Infection Control · single question

Which of the following BEST represents an engineering control measure to prevent aerosol transmission of pathogens in the dental office?

  1. Training staff on proper hand hygiene
  2. Using disposable instruments
  3. Requiring patients to wear masks during the appointment
  4. Adequate ventilation and air filtration (HEPA/UV) system in the operatory
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. Adequate ventilation and air filtration (HEPA/UV) system in the operatory

  • A. Hand hygiene training is an administrative/behavioral control — it does not modify the physical environment.
  • B. Using disposable instruments is an administrative/PPE-level control addressing contact transmission — not specifically an engineering control for aerosol.
  • C. Requiring patients to wear masks is an administrative control (policy/procedure), not an engineering control, though it reduces aerosol generation.
  • D. CORRECT. Engineering controls modify the work environment to reduce hazard exposure without relying on individual behavior. Proper ventilation (negative pressure rooms, HEPA filtration, UV-C germicidal systems) reduces airborne/aerosolized pathogen concentration — a true engineering control for aerosol transmission prevention.

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