Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

How often should an autoclave be checked for safety and effectiveness?

1. Daily

2. Once a month

3. Once a week

4. Once a year

The correct answer is: Once a week

An autoclave should ideally be checked for safety and effectiveness on a weekly basis to ensure that it is functioning properly and providing the necessary sterilization. Weekly checks typically include testing the equipment using biological indicators or other monitoring methods to confirm that the temperature, pressure, and time parameters are achieved during the sterilization cycle. This regular monitoring is crucial in a dental practice because it helps prevent the risk of infection due to improperly sterilized instruments. Regular inspections and maintenance not only contribute to patient safety but also comply with regulatory standards and best practices in infection control.