Principles and methods of disinfection and sterilization of dental instruments​

According to the risk level of dental instruments, appropriate disinfection and sterilization methods should be chosen and the following principles should be followed:

1. All medical instruments that enter the patient’s mouth must meet the requirements of “one person, one use, one sterilization” .

2. Dental equipment of various kinds that come into contact with wounds, blood or body fluids, damaged mucous membranes, or sterile tissues of the human body, including dental high-speed handpiece,dental low-speed handpiece,dental bur, root canal treatment equipment, dental extraction equipment, dental surgical equipment, periodontal treatment equipment, dressings and so on, before use must achieve sterilization.

3. Dental instruments that are in contact with the patient’s entire mucosa and skin, including mouth mirrors, probes, dental tweezers, various kinds of physical measuring instruments used as adjunctive therapy, Impression Trays, Mouthwash Cups, etc. , disinfection must be achieved before use.

4.Where contact with the patient’s body fluids, blood repair, orthodontic model and other items, sent to the workshop before the operation must be cleaned and disinfected.

5. The dental chair and its supporting facilities should be cleaned and disinfected daily, and should be cleaned and disinfected in time in case of pollution.

6. The personnel who clean, disinfect or sterilize the oral diagnostic and therapeutic instruments shall do a good job of personal protection in the process of operation.