Infection control: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Infection control

Sample item

What is the main reason dental instruments are sterilized between patients?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Prevent transmission of microorganisms through reusable equipment

Sterilization destroys microorganisms on reusable instruments and is a core infection-control measure alongside cleaning, hand hygiene, and standard precautions.

Option by option

  • A. Increase the strength of saliva

    It does not affect saliva strength.

  • B. Eliminate the need for hand hygiene

    Hand hygiene remains necessary even with sterile instruments.

  • C. Improve the shade of composite resin

    Sterilization does not change restorative material colour.

  • D. Prevent transmission of microorganisms through reusable equipment (correct)

    Correct: sterile instruments reduce cross-infection risk.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Prevent transmission of microorganisms through reusable equipment. Sterilization destroys microorganisms on reusable instruments and is a core infection-control measure alongside cleaning, hand hygiene, and standard precautions.

Why is "Increase the strength of saliva" not the answer?

It does not affect saliva strength.

Why is "Eliminate the need for hand hygiene" not the answer?

Hand hygiene remains necessary even with sterile instruments.

Why is "Improve the shade of composite resin" not the answer?

Sterilization does not change restorative material colour.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infection control in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: sterile instruments reduce cross-infection risk.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Infection control?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.