Disinfection should include the selection and use of chemicals (e.g., low-level, intermediate-level, and high-level disinfectants) that destroy or deactivate most species of pathogenic microorganisms.

Sterilization should include the destruction of all microorganisms using heat. 

Process/Skill Questions:

• What three chemical disinfectants are most used in dental offices? Why?
• What is the minimum contact time for a surface disinfectant?
• What agency regulates disinfectants?
• What three methods of sterilizing are most used in dental offices? Why?