Infection Control — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: A — Standard infection control precautions as for all patients
Explanation lettering: D = shown as B · B = shown as D
The correct answer is A. UK guidance, particularly SDCEP's Practice Support Manual, confirms that standard infection control precautions (SICPs) based on the NHS NSS National Infection Prevention and Control Manual are sufficient and appropriate for patients with known hepatitis C. When standard precautions—including appropriate glove use, hand hygiene, safe handling of sharps, and proper decontamination of instruments—are consistently applied, the risk of transmission in the dental setting is effectively managed. There is no evidence-based requirement for enhanced decontamination protocols (B), double gloving (C), discriminatory refusal of treatment (D), or special scheduling (E). Hepatitis C transmission requires direct percutaneous or mucosal exposure to blood; standard precautions, not enhanced ones, are the appropriate and evidence-supported approach. Refusal of treatment would be ethically and professionally unjustified.
Reference: SDCEP (Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme). Practice Support Manual: Infection Prevention and Control in Dental Practice. https://www.psm.sdcep.org.uk/topics/infection-prevention-and-control/infection-prevention-and-control-in-dental-practice/