California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Written Practice Exam

Which vaccine-preventable diseases pose the greatest risk of transmission in the dental office setting?

1. Hepatitis B

2. Measles

3. Rubella

4. Influenza

The correct answer is: Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is considered the vaccine-preventable disease that poses the greatest risk of transmission in the dental office setting due to its mode of transmission and prevalence among the population. This virus is transmitted through exposure to infectious bodily fluids, including blood, which is a significant concern in dental practices where procedures can result in blood exposure. Given the nature of dental work, such as extractions or periodontal treatments, the risk of encountering blood or saliva from patients is high. Additionally, the dental office environment can facilitate the transmission of Hepatitis B if proper infection control protocols are not followed. While vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection, unvaccinated personnel or patients can still be vectors for transmission. As a result, dental professionals are trained to adhere to strict infection control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization of instruments, and proper handling of sharps to mitigate this risk. Other diseases like measles, rubella, and influenza, while serious and vaccine-preventable, tend to be transmitted via respiratory droplets rather than blood, making them less concerning in the context of dental procedures. These diseases also have different transmission dynamics and may be effectively managed through vaccination and general health measures. This differentiation in transmission pathways and the specific