Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which of the following items are considered non-critical?

1. Instruments used during surgeries

2. Devices that do not contact mucous membranes

3. Items used for dental procedures

4. Instruments that penetrate oral soft tissue

The correct answer is: Devices that do not contact mucous membranes

The classification of non-critical items is based on the level of risk they pose in terms of infection control. Non-critical items are those that do not contact mucous membranes or sterile body sites, making them less likely to transmit infection when proper procedures are followed. In the context of dental hygiene and practice, non-critical items typically include dental chairs, light handles, and similar devices that only come into contact with intact skin. Since these items do not come into contact with harder-to-sterilize tissues, they are easier to disinfect, which further reduces the risk of infection transmission. On the other hand, instruments used during surgeries, items that penetrate oral soft tissue, and devices that contact mucous membranes fall into higher risk categories, such as critical or semi-critical, necessitating more stringent sterilization protocols to ensure patient safety. Understanding these classifications is essential in maintaining proper infection control standards in dental practice.