Skip to content
CNA SimulatorFree practice test

Cleaning and storing dentures: CNA skills test steps

Updated · Reviewed against official sources

Line the sink with a towel or washcloth and fill it partly with water, brush every surface of the denture with a denture brush and cool water, rinse, and store it in a labeled denture cup with clean cool water or solution, or return it to the resident.

Your state's nurse aide candidate handbook is the authority on exam format, skills lists and scoring. This page explains the general picture and links the official sources.

Steps

KEYmarks 7 steps that candidate handbooks commonly treat as critical. Missing a critical step usually fails the skill.

  1. 1Knock, introduce yourself by name and title, and greet the resident by name.
  2. 2Identify the resident (for example, check the name band or ask the resident to state their name) per facility policy.
  3. 3Explain the procedure in simple words and ask the resident to help as much as they are able.
  4. 4Key step: Provide privacy: close the door and pull the curtain.
  5. 5Key step: Perform hand hygiene before touching the resident.
  6. 6Put on gloves.
  7. 7Key step: Line the sink with a towel or washcloth and add a little water to cushion the denture if it is dropped.
  8. 8Key step: Rinse the denture in cool running water before brushing. Never use hot water, which can warp it.
  9. 9Apply denture cleaner and brush all surfaces of the denture, including the inner, outer and chewing surfaces.
  10. 10Rinse all surfaces of the denture under cool running water.
  11. 11Key step: Rinse the denture cup and place the denture in it with clean cool water or solution, or return it to the resident as directed.
  12. 12Clean and store the denture brush, discard the sink lining, and wipe the area.
  13. 13Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
  14. 14Key step: Place the call light and personal items within the resident's reach.
  15. 15Key step: Open the privacy curtain, perform hand hygiene, and report anything unusual to the nurse.

Common mistakes

  • Not lining the sink first.
  • Using hot water.
  • Touching the clean denture to an unclean surface (the faucet or unlined sink).
  • Storing the denture dry or in an unlabeled cup.

Quick answers

Why line the sink?
A towel or washcloth cushions the denture so it does not break if it slips out of your hand.
Should dentures be stored dry?
No. Store them in a labeled cup with cool water or soaking solution so they do not dry out and warp.

What to do next

Skills and the written test are scored separately, and you must pass both. Check your written readiness in about 15 minutes.

Take the free 20-question test

Related

Sources

Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.