Dental Assistant how-to
How to Process and Sterilize Dental Instruments
Instrument processing protects patients and staff. Follow CDC guidance and your office’s protocol.
Instrument processing protects patients and staff. Follow CDC guidance and your office’s protocol. In short: wear; transport; clean, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Wear utility gloves, mask, eyewear and a gown when handling contaminated instruments.
Transport instruments to the sterilization area in a closed, labeled container.
Clean instruments in an ultrasonic cleaner or instrument washer: avoid hand scrubbing when possible.
Rinse, dry and inspect for remaining debris or damage.
Package instruments in sterilization pouches or wrapped cassettes with a chemical indicator.
Run the autoclave cycle according to the manufacturer’s instructions and let packages dry.
Store packages in a clean, dry area and log the cycle; run weekly biological spore tests.
Safety reminders for dental assistants
- Follow CDC infection-control guidance and OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
- Use proper radiation safety and never hold sensors for patients during exposures
- Wear gloves, masks and eye protection for every procedure
- Handle sharps carefully and dispose of them immediately
Key terms
Four-handed dentistry · High-volume evacuator (HVE) · Universal Numbering System · Mesial · Distal · Occlusal: see the full dental assistant glossary.