• 75 questions

DANB Infection Control Practice Test

Unofficial practice for DANB's ICE exam, split like the outline's four domains, each answer with its CDC or OSHA source.

What is always the final step after removing and disposing of PPE?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

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Exam mode: 75 questions, 60 minutes.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Bank checked October 9, 2026.

The real exam, as DANB describes it

Questions
75
Time limit
60 minutes
Fee
$270, as printed on DANB's ICE exam page
Languages
English; also offered in Spanish
Format
Computer adaptive, multiple choice
Scoring
Scaled score from 100 to 900; 400 passes. No percent is printed
Where
At a test center or by online remote proctoring
Test window
60 days
Eligibility
The ICE exam has no entry requirements
Results
Email notice within 1 to 3 business days

Checked October 9, 2026 against DANB ICE Exam Outline and References (effective 03/12/2025) and DANB's ICE exam page. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

DANB's own ICE exam page

Next step CMA practice examEndoscope reprocessor test

All 75 questions

Prevention of disease transmission 15

  • A dental assistant picks up a contaminated instrument with a bare hand. Which mode of transmission does the CDC guideline call this? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Background. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
  • A glove tears and the hand is visibly soiled with blood. Which hand hygiene method does CDC call for? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Standard Precautions, Hand hygiene. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
  • A patient arrives coughing. Which step does CDC list for the dental setting when that patient comes in? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Standard Precautions, Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
  • A patient's medical history lists no infections. Why are standard precautions still used for that patient? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Background. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
Show all 75 questions (71 more)

Prevention of disease transmission, continued

  • A surgical mask becomes wet partway through a long procedure. What should the wearer do? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, IV. PPE, A. Masks, Protective Eyewear, and Face Shields. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
  • After one percutaneous exposure to HIV-infected blood, what average risk of infection does the CDC guideline report? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Preventing Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens, Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
  • How is reusable protective eyewear handled between patients? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, IV. PPE, A. Masks, Protective Eyewear, and Face Shields. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
  • Standard precautions apply to blood, mucous membranes, nonintact skin and all body fluids, secretions and excretions except one. Which one? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Background. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
  • What is always the final step after removing and disposing of PPE? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Standard Precautions, Personal protective equipment. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
  • When does the CDC guideline say lotions with petroleum or other oil emollients should be used? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Hand Hygiene, Lotions. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
  • When is hand hygiene performed in relation to gloves? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Standard Precautions, Hand hygiene. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
  • Which link in the chain of infection is removed when a worker is immune after vaccination? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Background. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
  • Which two work practices does the CDC guideline name to limit droplets, spatter and aerosols? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Personal Protective Equipment. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
  • While taking and updating medical histories, what does the CDC guideline say to ask all patients about routinely? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Special Considerations, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.
  • Why does the CDC guideline say not to wash gloves? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Personal Protective Equipment, Gloves and Gloving. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Prevention of Disease Transmission.

Prevention of cross-contamination 26

  • A barrier is removed and the surface under it shows no contamination. What does the CDC guideline say comes next? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Environmental Infection Control, Clinical Contact Surfaces. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • A dental unit draws its water from an independent bottle. What does CDC say about that system used alone? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Dental Unit Water Quality, About dental unit water quality. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • A digital radiography sensor cannot tolerate heat sterilization or high-level disinfection. What is the minimum between patients? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Sterilization and Disinfection, Classifications. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • A multidose vial will be used for more than one patient. Where does CDC say it is kept? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Standard Precautions, Safe injection practices. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • A saliva ejector tip is a single-use device. What is done with it after the patient? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Special Considerations, Single-Use or Disposable Devices. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • An extracted tooth has an amalgam filling. Where must it not go? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Special Considerations, Handling of Extracted Teeth. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • An uncovered countertop is visibly contaminated with blood after a patient. Which disinfectant does the CDC guideline call for? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VII. Environmental Infection Control, B. Clinical Contact Surfaces. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • For how long are water and air discharged from a handpiece after each patient? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VIII. Dental Unit Waterlines, Biofilm, and Water Quality, A. General Recommendations. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • How often should cleaning or EPA-registered disinfecting solutions be prepared fresh? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VII. Environmental Infection Control, C. Housekeeping Surfaces. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • No EPA-registered bleach product is on hand for a blood spill. Which dilution of household bleach does the CDC guideline describe as an effective alternative? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Environmental Infection Control, Cleaning and Disinfection Strategies for Blood Spills. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • Used orthodontic bands and burs are discarded in which container? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VII. Environmental Infection Control, F. Regulated Medical Waste. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • What is done to the rubber septum of a medication vial before it is pierced? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Standard Precautions, Safe injection practices. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • What is the limit for heterotrophic water bacteria in water used for routine dental treatment? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Dental Unit Water Quality, About dental unit water quality. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • What is the necessary first step of any disinfection process? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Environmental Infection Control. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • What should go with a case sent to an off-site dental laboratory? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, IX, I. Dental Laboratory. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • When are the surface barriers on a dental chair's switches changed? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VII. Environmental Infection Control, B. Clinical Contact Surfaces. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • When does backflow from a low-volume saliva ejector occur? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Special Considerations, Saliva Ejectors. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • When is the best time to clean and disinfect an impression? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Special Considerations, Dental Laboratory. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • Which coolant or irrigant is used during a surgical procedure? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Dental Unit Water Quality, Key Recommendations for Dental Unit Water Quality in Dental Settings. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • Which gloves does the CDC guideline name for cleaning and disinfecting environmental surfaces? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VII. Environmental Infection Control, A. General Recommendations. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • Which item is regulated medical waste in a dental office? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Environmental Infection Control, Regulated Medical Waste. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • Which level of EPA-registered hospital disinfectant is used on impressions before they are handled in the laboratory? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, IX, I. Dental Laboratory. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • Which of these is a clinical contact surface and not a housekeeping surface? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Environmental Infection Control. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • Which PPE is always worn when exposing radiographs and handling contaminated film packets? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, IX, B. Dental Radiology. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • Which product should never be used to disinfect a countertop or a floor? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VII. Environmental Infection Control, A. General Recommendations. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.
  • Why are patients not told to close their lips tightly around a saliva ejector tip? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, IX, A. Dental Handpieces and Other Devices Attached to Air and Waterlines. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Prevention of Cross-contamination.

Processing instruments and devices 19

  • A control biological indicator from the same lot is incubated without being sterilized. What result should it give? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Sterilization and Disinfection of Patient-Care Items, Sterilization Monitoring. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • A dental office runs its steam sterilizer every day. What is the least often a spore test is run, and what is run with it? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VI, F. Sterilization Monitoring. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • A failed sterilizer has been repaired. How is it rechallenged before going back in service? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VI, F. Sterilization Monitoring. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • A heat-sensitive semicritical item has no heat-tolerant or disposable alternative. What is its minimum processing? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Sterilization and Disinfection, Classifications. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • A periodontal scaler penetrates soft tissue. How is it classified, and how is it processed? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Sterilization and Disinfection, Classifications. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • A spore test comes back positive. What is the first step? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VI, F. Sterilization Monitoring. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • A sterile pouch is found torn in the storage drawer. What is done with the instruments inside? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VI, G. Storage Area for Sterilized Items and Clean Dental Supplies. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • How are loose contaminated instruments carried to the processing area? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VI, C. Receiving, Cleaning, and Decontamination Work Area. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • How are packages placed in the sterilizer chamber? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VI, F. Sterilization Monitoring. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • How does a prevacuum steam sterilizer remove air from its chamber? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Sterilization and Disinfection of Patient-Care Items, Steam Sterilization. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • How is a dental handpiece processed between patients? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Sterilization and Disinfection, Classifications. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • Instruments cannot be cleaned right away. What keeps patient material from drying on them? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Sterilization and Disinfection of Patient-Care Items, Receiving, Cleaning, and Decontamination. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • The repeat spore test is also positive. Which items are recalled and reprocessed, as far as possible? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VI, F. Sterilization Monitoring. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • Under event-related storage, how long does a wrapped sterile pack stay sterile? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Storage of Sterilized Items and Clean Dental Supplies. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • What does CDC say a package label should show, to help retrieve items after a sterilization failure? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Sterilization and Disinfection, Process. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • What does mechanical monitoring of a sterilizer assess? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Sterilization and Disinfection of Patient-Care Items, Sterilization Monitoring. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • Where is a chemical indicator placed when instruments are packaged? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VI, F. Sterilization Monitoring. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • Which order matches the four sections of an instrument processing area? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VI, B. Instrument Processing Area. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.
  • Why are instrument packs left untouched until they are cool and dry? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Sterilization and Disinfection of Patient-Care Items, Sterilization Procedures. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Process Instruments and Devices.

Occupational safety and administration 15

  • A dental office files a record of its yearly bloodborne pathogens session. Which detail does OSHA require on it? OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens, paragraph (h)(2). Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • A needle has to be recapped before a second injection. Which method does OSHA allow? OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens, paragraph (d)(2)(vii)(B). Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • A newly hired dental assistant declines the hepatitis B vaccine. What does OSHA require? OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens, paragraph (f)(2). Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • An employee reports an exposure incident. What must the employer make available immediately? OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens, paragraph (f)(3). Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • Disinfectant is poured from its labeled bottle into a second container. When does OSHA not require a label on that container? OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication, paragraph (f)(8). Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • How often must an exposure control plan be reviewed and updated? OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens, paragraph (c)(1)(iv). Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • In the CDC guideline, what does a recommendation rated Category IC mean? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • Surface disinfectant splashes into an assistant's eye. Where on the product's safety data sheet are the first-aid measures? OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication, paragraph (g)(2). Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • Under OSHA's definition, which of these dental items is a contaminated sharp? OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens, paragraph (b), Definitions. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • Where must a container for contaminated sharps be during use? OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens, paragraph (d)(4)(iii)(A)(2). Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • Where must safety data sheets be kept? OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication, paragraph (g)(8). Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • Which agency registers the hospital disinfectants used on clinical contact surfaces? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Recommendations, VII. Environmental Infection Control, B. Clinical Contact Surfaces. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • Which of these is an engineering control under the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard? OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens, paragraph (b), Definitions. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • Which two signal words appear on hazard communication labels? OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication, paragraph (c), Definitions. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.
  • Who does CDC say should coordinate a dental setting's infection prevention program? CDC, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016), Administrative Considerations, Key Administrative Recommendations for Dental Settings. Outline: DANB ICE Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the four domains of the Infection Control (ICE) Exam Outline and References of the Dental Assisting National Board (effective 03/12/2025, https://danbsfprodassets.azureedge.net/assets/docs/default-source/exam-outlines/ice-exam-outline.pdf?sfvrsn=8ce9a226_4, linked from https://www.danb.org/exams/exam/ice-exam, read 2026-10-09), in its weights of 20, 34, 26 and 20 percent. The bank holds 15, 26, 19 and 15 questions in that order. Every fact was read on 2026-10-09 in the public page the question names: CDC's Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR Vol. 52, RR-17), CDC's Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care (2016), and OSHA's standards 29 CFR 1910.1030 and 1910.1200, all four named in the outline's own reference list. The textbooks and paid courses on that list were not used. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This free DANB infection control practice test has 75 questions of our own, the same count as the real exam. It is unofficial and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Read the full guide

What the ICE exam covers

DANB's ICE Exam Outline, effective 03/12/2025 and read October 9, 2026, has four domains: prevention of disease transmission 20%, prevention of cross-contamination 34%, processing instruments and devices 26%, and occupational safety and administration protocols 20%.

How this test is split

The 75 questions follow those weights: 15, 26, 19 and 15. Exam mode asks all 75 on the real exam's 60-minute clock. The real exam is computer adaptive; this one is not.

Where the facts come from

Four public documents on the outline's own reference list: CDC's 2003 dental infection control guidelines, CDC's 2016 summary for dental settings, and OSHA's bloodborne pathogens and hazard communication standards. The textbooks and paid courses on that list were not used.

  • CDC's 2003 guidelines are archived, yet CDC says they continue to serve as the standard of practice for clinical dentistry.
  • The outline lists the acronyms the exam uses, such as DUWL, OPIM and SDS, and says the full list is available during the exam.

Questions and answers

How many questions are on the DANB ICE exam?

75 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, by DANB's ICE exam outline effective 03/12/2025. Every candidate's test draws an equal share of its questions from each domain.

What is a passing score on the DANB ICE exam?

A scaled score of 400. DANB reports scaled scores from 100 to 900; a scaled score is not a count or a percent of right answers, so this page shows only how many you got right.

Are these real DANB ICE exam questions?

No. All 75 are our own. None repeats or rewords a question of the real exam or of a paid practice test.

Which DANB certifications include the ICE exam?

Three: National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA), Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA). DANB's outline sets no eligibility requirement for sitting the ICE exam.

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