The following terms apply to infection control:

Antiseptic

Asepsis

An antiseptic is a chemical agent applied to a tissue to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

Asepsis is a pathogen-free condition; that is, the process of preventing the access

of microorganisms.

Aseptic Technique

Proper use of dental instruments to ensure sterilized and disinfected

items are not contaminated before use is the aseptic technique.

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1.22.4. Bioburden. Bioburden is the number and type of microorganisms that must be removed

via mechanical debridement to allow proper disinfection.

1.22.5. Dental Item Classifications. Dental items can be classified as critical, semicritical, or

noncritical in their need for sterilization or various levels of disinfection. As follows, these

classifications are determined by where and how the items are used:

1.22.5.1. Critical Items. Critical items are objects that enter the skin, mucous membrane, or

vascular system and present the greatest risk of infection. CRITICAL ITEMS MUST BE

STERILE PRIOR TO USE. Scalpel blades, hypodermic needles, surgical instruments, and

suture needles are examples of critical items.

1.22.5.2. Semicritical Items. Semicritical items are objects that frequently contact mucous

membranes and are often contaminated by oral secretions and blood, but they do not enter the

tissue or vascular system. THESE ITEMS MUST HAVE HIGH TO INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

DISINFECTION. Shade guides, facebows, jaw relationship records, impressions, and

prosthetic devices are examples of semicritical items.

1.22.5.3. Noncritical Items. Noncritical items are objects that don’t ordinarily contact mucous