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ADEX exam

ADEX Infection Control & PPE OSCE – Step-by-Step Guide

A clear, exam-focused guide to PPE sequence, operatory setup, and cross-contamination control in the ADEX OSCE.

Quick Answers

What does the ADEX infection control OSCE test?

Your ability to follow PPE sequence, prevent cross-contamination, and maintain safe clinical protocol.

What is the correct PPE order?

Gown → Mask/Respirator → Eye protection → Gloves.

What breaks sterile technique?

Touching non-sterile items with gloved hands, improper donning/doffing, and not disinfecting surfaces.

What must be disinfected?

All operatory surfaces, chair controls, light handles, counters, and any item that may be touched.

What does ADEX expect you to verbalize?

Hand hygiene, correct PPE order, instrument handling, and disposal of sharps and contaminated waste.

1. What the infection control station evaluates

The ADEX infection control OSCE checks if you understand basic clinical safety. You are graded on sequence, consistency, and the ability to prevent cross-contamination. It is not about speed—it is about demonstrating safe habits.

2. PPE donning sequence (always say it clearly)

  • Perform hand hygiene.
  • Put on gown.
  • Place mask or respirator securely.
  • Apply eye protection (goggles or face shield).
  • Put on gloves last.

Examiners look for a clear understanding of why gloves come last: to avoid contaminating clean PPE.

3. PPE removal sequence (doffing)

  • Remove gloves first.
  • Hand hygiene.
  • Remove eye protection.
  • Remove gown without touching the contaminated exterior.
  • Remove mask last.
  • Final hand hygiene.

The order prevents self-contamination and keeps microbes away from mucosal areas.

4. Operatory disinfection steps ADEX expects

State or demonstrate disinfection of:

  • Dental chair and headrest.
  • Chair controls and handles.
  • Light handles and switches.
  • Tray tables and counter surfaces.
  • Suction lines and hoses.
  • Any item that may have been touched.

Use an EPA-registered disinfectant and ensure appropriate contact time. Never spray directly onto equipment—spray onto a wipe if needed.

5. Preventing cross-contamination

High-yield steps examiners watch for:

  • Do not touch charts, phones, or pens with gloved hands.
  • Place barriers on handles, switches, and control panels.
  • Use proper passing technique when handling instruments.
  • Dispose of sharps immediately after use.
  • Keep clean and dirty areas separate.

6. Medical waste and sharps handling

  • Place needles in puncture-resistant sharps container immediately.
  • Never recap needles with two hands—use a scoop technique or holder.
  • Dispose of blood-contaminated materials in regulated waste.
  • Follow all instructions specific to ADEX clinical mock setups.

7. Fast memory points

  • PPE on: gown → mask → eye protection → gloves.
  • PPE off: gloves → hand hygiene → eye protection → gown → mask.
  • Disinfect all surfaces touched or exposed.
  • Never break “clean vs contaminated” zones.
  • State every step—you get points for verbalizing.

How DentAIstudy helps

Using Study Builder, you can generate:

  • PPE OSCE checklists.
  • Disinfection sequences for rapid review.
  • Flashcards for infection control protocols.
  • Scenario-based questions on contamination errors.

Try Study Builder →

References

  • CDCA-WREB-CITA Infection Control Guidelines.
  • CDC Dental Infection Prevention Recommendations.
  • Standard PPE donning/doffing clinical protocols.