When fabricating dental appliances, what must be done with the impressions?

When fabricating dental appliances, it is essential to disinfect impressions before sending them to ensure the safety and health of both patients and dental professionals. Impressions can harbor various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. By disinfecting these materials, the risk of cross-contamination is significantly reduced, protecting everyone involved in the dental practice. Proper disinfection protocols help maintain a sterile environment and adhere to the standards set by health organizations that govern dental practices.

Labeling as biohazard, without an appropriate disinfection process prior to handling, does not address the immediate concern of ensuring the material is free from harmful microorganisms. Meanwhile, storing impressions without labeling or sending them immediately without drying can lead to confusion and mismanagement of potentially infectious materials, compromising patient safety. Disinfecting is the critical step that supports infection control measures in dentistry.