What does disinfection refer to in dental practice?

Disinfection in dental practice specifically refers to the destruction of most pathogenic bacteria and some viruses. This is a critical process for maintaining safety and hygiene in a clinical environment where there is a risk of infection. Disinfection allows for the reduction of potentially harmful microbial populations on surfaces and instruments, significantly lowering the chances of transmitting infections during dental procedures.

While complete sterilization refers to the total elimination of all microorganisms, disinfection is less stringent and acknowledges that while most pathogens may be killed, some resistant strains or certain viruses may remain. This understanding aligns with healthcare protocols where achieving a sterile environment is often not feasible for all surfaces and items, but effective disinfection procedures can significantly minimize risk.

Therefore, the definition encompassing the destruction of most pathogenic microorganisms but not necessarily all is what distinguishes disinfection from other terms like sterilization, which describes a higher standard of microbial control.