Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which statement about sterilization and disinfection is true?

1. Disinfection must always follow cleaning

2. Critical items can be reused without sterilization

3. All instruments can be disinfected without cleaning

4. Non-critical items should not be cleaned

The correct answer is: Disinfection must always follow cleaning

The statement that disinfection must always follow cleaning is accurate because effective disinfection relies on the removal of organic matter and biofilm that can reduce the efficacy of disinfectants. Cleaning involves physically removing debris and contaminants from surfaces and instruments, which is essential before applying any chemical disinfectants. By ensuring that instruments are clean prior to disinfection, the disinfectant can work more effectively to eliminate pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of infections in a dental setting. The other statements do not accurately reflect proper sterilization and disinfection protocols. Critical items, which penetrate soft tissue or bone, must always be sterilized before reuse to eliminate any risk of infection. While some items may be disinfected, it is not true that all instruments can be disinfected without prior cleaning, as the presence of contaminants can hinder the disinfection process. Lastly, non-critical items, which only come into contact with intact skin, also require cleaning to prevent cross-contamination, contradicting the assertion that they should not be cleaned.