Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What is a significant disadvantage of using dry heat sterilizers?

1. Requires lengthy sterilization cycles

2. May leave moisture on instruments

3. Can destroy rubber and plastic materials

4. Is very expensive to operate

The correct answer is: Can destroy rubber and plastic materials

Dry heat sterilizers do have limitations, one of which is their potential to damage materials that are sensitive to heat, such as rubber and plastic. The sterilization process in dry heat involves high temperatures that can degrade these materials, leading to a compromise in the integrity and usability of dental instruments that are made from or contain rubber and plastic components. While other methods might not present this issue, dry heat sterilization is often selected for its ability to sterilize instruments effectively without moisture, but this comes at the cost of certain materials' durability. This characteristic makes it crucial for dental practices to evaluate the types of instruments being sterilized and their materials to avoid any degradation or damage. The other options, while they represent valid considerations of sterilization methods, do not address this specific issue of material compatibility as directly as the concern regarding rubber and plastic.