Infection Control · patient case question
Within the hierarchy of controls, where does replacing an in-person consultation with a virtual one belong?
Patient case: Preparing the practice
demo: New associate dentist
chief: Reviewing the practice infection control and emergency protocols before starting clinical work.
history: The practice is updating its exposure control plan and its written office emergency procedures.
meds: Not applicable.
findings: The office manager asks a series of questions about immunisation, sterilisation monitoring, waste handling and the hierarchy of hazard controls.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Administrative control
- A. Engineering controls are physical modifications that isolate people from the hazard, such as high-volume evacuation, sharps containers with engineered protections, ventilation and physical barriers.
- B. PPE is the least effective tier because it protects only the wearer and only when correctly selected, fitted and used.
- C. Correct. Teledentistry changes how and when work is performed and who is present. Policies, scheduling and work practices are administrative controls, which sit in the lower-middle of the hierarchy because they depend on consistent human compliance.
- D. Elimination physically removes the hazard altogether and sits at the top of the hierarchy.
Practice Infection Control questions Infection Control study notes