DANB ICE Exam 2026: Infection Control Preparation Guide
DANB ICE Exam 2026: Infection Control Preparation Guide
The DANB Infection Control examination, known as ICE, is a component of several DANB certifications and is recognized in many states.
For dental assisting students, understanding infection control is important not only for examination preparation but also for safe dental practice.
What Is the ICE Exam?
The current ICE examination contains 75 questions and has a 60-minute testing time. DANB offers ICE through testing centers and online proctoring, and a Spanish-language version is available.
ICE is a component of both the CDA and NELDA certifications.
What Should You Study?
Important subjects include:
Standard precautions
Hand hygiene
PPE
Instrument processing
Cleaning
Disinfection
Sterilization
Monitoring sterilization
Sharps safety
Exposure incidents
Surface barriers
Dental unit waterlines
Waste management
Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization
Candidates should understand the differences among cleaning, disinfection and sterilization.
These concepts are fundamental to infection control and should not be studied as isolated vocabulary words.
Understand what each process accomplishes and when it is appropriate.
Instrument Processing
Review the steps involved in handling, cleaning, packaging, sterilizing and storing dental instruments.
Students should understand why each step is performed.
Practice Questions
Practice questions are especially valuable for ICE preparation.
DANB currently points candidates toward official ICE study materials, while the DALE Foundation provides an ICE review course and practice test.
ICE Preparation in NYC
Students preparing for the ICE examination in New York City can use independent study, formal dental assisting education or specialized tutoring.
Tutoring can be useful when a student understands general infection control but struggles with detailed questions involving sterilization or exposure procedures.
Final Thoughts
ICE is a focused examination, but candidates should take preparation seriously.
Understanding infection-control principles is more valuable than memorizing isolated answers.
Use current DANB materials, practice questions and repeated review to strengthen your preparation.
Official resources:
DANB ICE Examination
DALE Foundation
