Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which process is essential before placing instruments in a sterilizer?

1. Sorting by size

2. Cleaning and disinfecting

3. Wrapping in plastic

4. Heating to high temperatures

The correct answer is: Cleaning and disinfecting

Cleaning and disinfecting is a critical step before placing instruments in a sterilizer. This process removes organic debris, blood, and other contaminants from the instruments. If the instruments are not properly cleaned, sterilization may be ineffective, as the presence of organic material can shield microorganisms from the sterilizing agent, preventing them from being eliminated. Effective cleaning also involves using appropriate methods such as ultrasonic cleaning or manual scrubbing, followed by disinfecting to reduce the microbial load significantly. This ensures that the instruments are free from any potential pathogens before being subjected to the sterilization process, ultimately safeguarding patient health and maintaining infection control standards in the dental practice.