Infection Control · single question
Which of the following is a SEMI-CRITICAL dental instrument?
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Correct answer: C. Dental scaler
Dental scaler (C) is a semi-critical instrument. The Spaulding Classification:
• Critical items: penetrate sterile tissues, bone, blood vessels — must be STERILIZED (autoclave). Examples: surgical instruments, forceps, scalers, burs, endodontic files.
• Semi-critical items: contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin but don't penetrate — must be STERILIZED (preferred) or high-level disinfected. Examples: mouth mirrors, amalgam condensers, impression trays, handpieces.
• Non-critical items: contact intact skin only — intermediate/low-level disinfection. Examples: BP cuff, stethoscope, X-ray cone.
Wait — Scalers contact mucous membranes and can cause bleeding → semi-critical at minimum, critical if entering sulcus.
• Digital X-ray sensor (A): semi-critical (contacts mucous membranes) — must use a barrier + intermediate disinfection.
• Critical items: penetrate sterile tissues, bone, blood vessels — must be STERILIZED (autoclave). Examples: surgical instruments, forceps, scalers, burs, endodontic files.
• Semi-critical items: contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin but don't penetrate — must be STERILIZED (preferred) or high-level disinfected. Examples: mouth mirrors, amalgam condensers, impression trays, handpieces.
• Non-critical items: contact intact skin only — intermediate/low-level disinfection. Examples: BP cuff, stethoscope, X-ray cone.
Wait — Scalers contact mucous membranes and can cause bleeding → semi-critical at minimum, critical if entering sulcus.
• Digital X-ray sensor (A): semi-critical (contacts mucous membranes) — must use a barrier + intermediate disinfection.
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