1. At the beginning of the working day at your surgery, you are asked to run a cycle of the steam autoclave and record the parameters in the log book provided. Which one of the following autoclave temperatures is required to achieve sterilisation?

2. An important method of reducing the risk of cross-infection at your dental workplace is to carry out routine hand-washing techniques throughout the working day. Regular washing of hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, will help to prevent the spread of which one of the following infectious conditions?

3. A new dental nurse joins your practice, but while going through the routine workplace induction process it becomes apparent that she has not received the rubella vaccination. Which one of the following medical conditions would this make her susceptible to?

4. The dentist has asked you to change the X-ray processing chemicals in the automatic developer machine. From your induction training, you are aware that the waste chemicals need to be drained from the machine and disposed of in separate labelled containers. Which one of the following waste categories would these fluids be classified as?

5. Modern fire extinguishers are a compulsory requirement in all dental workplaces. They are all coloured red for easy location, and have accompanying coded labels that classify the type of fire for which they can be used. Which one of the following fires can be safely tackled with a water extinguisher?

6. Under Health and Safety at Work legislation, there are several instances where dental personnel must carry out a risk assessment. In relation to the process of determining the hazards posed by chemicals in use at the surgery, which one of the following describes the third stage of the risk assessment?

7. It is important for all clinically active dental personnel to be vaccinated against a range of infectious diseases before working in the surgery environment. Which one of the following diseases is caused by a blood-borne virus that can be spread by inoculation injuries and bites and which increases the risk of liver cancer in those infected with it?

8. An important duty of the dental nurse on a day-to-day basis is to assist in, or manage, the processes in place to avoid microorganism contamination of equipment and instruments. Which one of the following methods is used to kill all microorganisms and spores to produce asepsis?

9. Accurate record-keeping is an important requirement in the dental workplace, to ensure the health and safety of all dental personnel and patients. While checking the medical history of a new patient, you notice that he has stated that he is HIV positive. Which one of the following medical conditions might this expose you to without the necessary precautions being taken?

10. To ensure that all persons understand the nature of a chemical’s risk to themselves and others, a pictogram system of risk categorisation has been developed and is in widespread use. A circle with flames above on an orange background is the symbol for which one of the following hazards?

11. The term ‘indirect cross-infection’ is used to refer to the transfer of microorganisms from a contaminated item to another person. Which one of the following techniques avoids indirect cross-infection?

12. In relation to the fire precautions that must be considered for every dental workplace, which one of the following determines whether the premises are at higher risk when assessed for fire safety?

13. Many chemicals in normal use throughout dentistry are classed as hazardous. The health effects of some of them can be determined by the use of various health monitoring techniques. Exposure to which one of the following substances can be monitored by urine sampling?

14. While working as a dental nurse on a day-to-day basis, personnel are required to wear various items that are referred to as ‘personal protective equipment’ (PPE). Which one of the following items of PPE protects the airway from aerosol inhalation?

15. A trainee dental nurse has just commenced employment at your dental practice, while undergoing her necessary training at the local college. Before the trainee can begin to work chair side and start the compilation of their record of experience, she must undergo vaccination against which one of the following blood-borne diseases?

16. While attending the dental surgery for a routine restorative procedure, a patient trips on the stairs and fractures her right arm. Which one of the following regulations should be followed in relation to determining the cause of the fall?

17. Mercury is a liquid metal used in restorative dentistry to form amalgam. It requires careful handling during use as it is toxic to body tissues. Which one of the following methods adequately controls the release of mercury vapour during dental treatment?

18. A patient attends the surgery with pain in the lower left quadrant. After the dentist has taken a bitewing radiograph for diagnostic purposes, you are asked to correctly dispose of the film packet. Which one of the following waste options would this item be classified as?

19. Various regulations and legislation apply to the safe running of dental workplaces. Which one of the following applies to the COSHH regulations?

20. Under Health and Safety at Work legislation, there are several instances where dental personnel must carry out a risk assessment. In relation to the process of determining the hazards posed by chemicals in use at the surgery, which one of the following describes the final stage of the risk assessment?

21. A 12-year-old patient attends the surgery for the extraction of a retained lower deciduous canine tooth. Once the tooth has been extracted, and suitable postoperative instructions given, the dentist asks you to dispose of the tooth accordingly. Which one of the following is the correct method of disposal for the tooth?

22. A patient attends with a Class II cavity in the lower left first molar tooth. Following restoration of the tooth with an amalgam filling, you are asked to dispose of the used matrix band. Which one of the following waste categories would this item be classified as?

23. All dental surgeries have to undergo a fire safety inspection, during which the types and location of various items of fire fighting equipment will be recommended for the premises. Which one of the following is not advised for a dental surgery?

24. Any notifiable incident involving serious injury or a dangerous occurrence is governed by the RIDDOR legislation. All the following events must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR, except which one of the following?

25. Various types of waste are produced on dental premises on a daily basis and must be disposed of correctly in accordance with the relevant legislation. Which one of the following is disposed of as special waste?

26. A patient attends the surgery for the extraction of a grossly carious upper left first molar tooth. The dentist uses a full local anaesthetic cartridge to anaesthetise the tooth and buccal gingiva, and half of a second cartridge to anaesthetise the palatal gingiva. Which one of the following correctly describes the waste category of the second cartridge?

27. Under Health and Safety at Work legislation, there are several instances where dental personnel must carry out a risk assessment. In relation to the process of determining the hazards posed by chemicals in use at the surgery, which one of the following describes the second stage of the risk assessment?

28. Infection control, sterilisation and decontamination are all key elements of a dental nurse’s day-to-day duties, and must be carried out in accordance with the relevant regulations and legislation. Which one of the following is an example of an indirect cross-infection incident?

29. Mercury is a liquid metal used in restorative dentistry to form amalgam. It is toxic to body tissues if inhaled, absorbed or ingested, and requires careful handling if a spillage occurs. Which one of the following is the correct action to take following a small spillage?

30. To ensure that all persons understand the nature of a chemical’s risk to themselves and ot/>