4-Week DANB ICE Exam Study Plan (Infection Control Exam)

4-Week DANB ICE Exam Study Plan (Infection Control Exam)

Week 1: Foundation & Familiarization

Goal: Understand the structure of the exam and build your knowledge base.

  • Read the DANB ICE Exam Outline and highlight the 10 must-know topics.

  • Study Standard Precautions & PPE (donning/doffing, hand hygiene).

  • Begin reviewing Sterilization Methods (autoclave cycles, spore testing).

  • Resource: DANB ICE Exam Overview

  • Do Quizlet flashcards (infection control basics).

  • End of week: Take a short Mometrix practice quiz to benchmark your baseline.

Week 2: Core Knowledge – OSHA & CDC

Goal: Master regulations and workplace protocols.

  • Study OSHA Standards: Bloodborne Pathogens, Hazard Communication.

  • Study CDC Infection Control Guidelines: sharps disposal, post-exposure protocols.

  • Learn Instrument Processing Workflow (transport, ultrasonic cleaning, packaging, sterilization, storage).

  • Resource: DANB Study Guides

  • Take the DALE Foundation ICE Review Course (focus on OSHA/CDC modules).

  • End of week: Complete 50 practice questions from DALE or Quizlet.

Week 3: Applied Practice & Weak Areas

Goal: Apply knowledge in exam-style practice.

  • Study Disease Transmission and Waste Management (biomedical vs. general waste).

  • Study Dental Unit Waterlines (DUWLs): biofilm, flushing, testing.

  • Review Occupational Safety & Exposure Control: needlesticks, vaccinations.

  • Resource: DALE Foundation ICE Practice Test (take once this week).

  • Analyze your weak areas — review notes and flashcards daily.

  • End of week: Retake practice questions from earlier to measure improvement.

Week 4: Final Review & Exam Readiness

Goal: Simulate the real exam and polish details.

  • Take a full-length practice exam under timed conditions.

  • Review every missed question and revisit weak areas.

  • Do a final pass through the 10 must-know topics checklist.

  • Resource: ICE Exam Outline & References PDF — double-check details.

  • Light daily review of Quizlet flashcards.

  • Two days before exam: Focus on OSHA/CDC compliance and sterilization protocols.

  • Day before exam: Quick overview, no cramming. Get rest.

Extra Study Tips

  • Aim for 30–60 minutes daily, more on weekends.

  • Mix formats: reading, flashcards, quizzes, and practice exams.

  • Teach back concepts — explain infection control steps out loud as if training a coworker.

  • Stay updated with CDC guidelines, as exam questions often reflect them.

✅ Quick Links to Resources

  1. DANB ICE Exam Overview

  2. DANB Study Guides

  3. DALE Foundation ICE Review Course

  4. DALE Foundation ICE Practice Test

  5. Mometrix Free Practice Test

  6. ICE Exam Outline PDF

  7. Quizlet Flashcards

Week 1: Foundation & Familiarization

Goal: Understand the structure of the exam and build your knowledge base.

  • Read the DANB ICE Exam Outline and highlight the 10 must-know topics.

  • Study Standard Precautions & PPE (donning/doffing, hand hygiene).

  • Begin reviewing Sterilization Methods (autoclave cycles, spore testing).

  • Resource: DANB ICE Exam Overview

  • Do Quizlet flashcards (infection control basics).

  • End of week: Take a short Mometrix practice quiz to benchmark your baseline.

Week 2: Core Knowledge – OSHA & CDC

Goal: Master regulations and workplace protocols.

  • Study OSHA Standards: Bloodborne Pathogens, Hazard Communication.

  • Study CDC Infection Control Guidelines: sharps disposal, post-exposure protocols.

  • Learn Instrument Processing Workflow (transport, ultrasonic cleaning, packaging, sterilization, storage).

  • Resource: DANB Study Guides

  • Take the DALE Foundation ICE Review Course (focus on OSHA/CDC modules).

  • End of week: Complete 50 practice questions from DALE or Quizlet.

Week 3: Applied Practice & Weak Areas

Goal: Apply knowledge in exam-style practice.

  • Study Disease Transmission and Waste Management (biomedical vs. general waste).

  • Study Dental Unit Waterlines (DUWLs): biofilm, flushing, testing.

  • Review Occupational Safety & Exposure Control: needlesticks, vaccinations.

  • Resource: DALE Foundation ICE Practice Test (take once this week).

  • Analyze your weak areas — review notes and flashcards daily.

  • End of week: Retake practice questions from earlier to measure improvement.

Week 4: Final Review & Exam Readiness

Goal: Simulate the real exam and polish details.

  • Take a full-length practice exam under timed conditions.

  • Review every missed question and revisit weak areas.

  • Do a final pass through the 10 must-know topics checklist.

  • Resource: ICE Exam Outline & References PDF — double-check details.

  • Light daily review of Quizlet flashcards.

  • Two days before exam: Focus on OSHA/CDC compliance and sterilization protocols.

  • Day before exam: Quick overview, no cramming. Get rest.

Extra Study Tips

  • Aim for 30–60 minutes daily, more on weekends.

  • Mix formats: reading, flashcards, quizzes, and practice exams.

  • Teach back concepts — explain infection control steps out loud as if training a coworker.

  • Stay updated with CDC guidelines, as exam questions often reflect them.

Also, if you're searching for more than just a job, moreover, a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential; then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Furthermore, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.

Contact NYSMDA today and get your career started!

What are the best Dental Schools?

Previous
Previous

How Hard Is the DANB ICE Exam? Complete 2025 Guide to Passing the Infection Control Exam

Next
Next

10 Must-Know Topics for the DANB ICE Exam