Question

What should be done with contaminated waste in a dental setting?

A. Dispose of it in regular trash bins
B. Place it in a designated biohazard container
C. Flush it down the sink with running water
D. Bury it in a secure landfill

Answer 1

Contaminated waste in a dental setting should be disposed of in a biohazard container and then autoclaved to sterilize it before it is safely disposed of in the proper waste stream.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a dental setting, contaminated waste should be handled with extreme caution to prevent the spread of pathogens. It must be placed in a designated biohazard container. This type of waste typically includes items that have been in contact with blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials. The international symbol for biohazards will mark the proper disposal container for these materials. It is important to avoid disposing of such waste in regular trash bins, flushing it down the sink, or burying it in a secure landfill as these methods can pose severe environmental and health risks. Once placed in a biohazard container, the waste should be autoclaved, which is a method that uses high-pressure steam to sterilize the waste, making it safe to be disposed of properly. It is essential to follow these procedures to prevent injury, infection, or contamination.