Using the Spaulding classification, a reusable digital intraoral radiographic sensor (which contacts mucous membranes but does not penetrate tissue) is categorized as:

Items contacting mucous membranes without penetrating tissue are semicritical; intraoral sensors require a barrier sheath and high-level disinfection between patients.Other options: Critical items penetrate tissue (sterilize); noncritical items touch only intact skin; sensors are definitely an infection-control concern.Key exam takeaway: Intraoral sensor = semicritical: barrier plus high-level disinfection.