What disinfectant is recommended for smooth environmental surfaces in the dental office?

Correct answer: A. Phenolic compound disinfectant

• A. Correct. Phenolic disinfectants (phenol-based surface disinfectants) are widely recommended for smooth environmental surfaces in dental offices. They have broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and many viruses.
• B. Incorrect. Ethyl alcohol evaporates rapidly and leaves no residual antimicrobial activity — not ideal for dental surface disinfection.
• C. Incorrect. Chlorhexidine is used as an oral antiseptic or hand scrub — not a primary environmental surface disinfectant.
• D. Incorrect. Sodium hypochlorite is effective but can be corrosive to surfaces and equipment. It is used for impression disinfection but is not the primary agent for all smooth surfaces.