Infection Control · single question
According to CDC guidelines, what should a dental assistant do to instruments BEFORE sterilization?
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Correct answer: D. Clean and sterilize (sterilize instruments prior to use on patients)
The CDC requires that dental instruments undergo a cleaning and sterilization process before use. The sequence is: (1) Pre-cleaning (remove gross debris — ultrasonic or manual scrub), (2) Packaging, (3) Sterilization (autoclave/steam heat is the gold standard). Instruments cannot be effectively sterilized if organic matter is present. The dental assistant's role is to ensure this complete decontamination cycle.
- A. ❌ Rinsing with water alone is insufficient — does not remove all debris and provides no disinfection or sterilization.
- B. ❌ Alcohol wipes provide surface disinfection only — do not sterilize instruments.
- C. ❌ Glutaraldehyde is high-level disinfection — not the primary method for critical dental instruments that require sterilization.
- D. ✅ CORRECT – Dental instruments must be cleaned (remove debris) then sterilized per CDC protocols before reuse.
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