What Are the Steps of Sterilising Dental Instruments?

Sterilising dental instruments isn’t just a routine — it’s critical to safe patient care. Here's a short and practical overview of the key steps clinics and dental teams follow before reuse.

1. Pre-Rinse

Immediately after use, instruments should be rinsed under cool or lukewarm water to remove blood and debris.

2. Cleaning

Use a soft brush and enzymatic detergent or an ultrasonic cleaner. Avoid abrasive materials that could damage surfaces.

3. Drying

Before sterilisation, instruments must be thoroughly dried. Residual moisture can lead to rust and sterilisation failure.

4. Packaging

Place instruments in sterilisation pouches or cassettes. Do not overcrowd — spacing allows even steam circulation.

5. Autoclaving

Follow your autoclave’s manufacturer instructions for temperature, pressure, and cycle time. Use indicators to verify sterilisation.

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