What must be done to all instruments after use in a dental procedure?

The requirement to clean instruments thoroughly to remove visible debris after use in a dental procedure is crucial for maintaining safety and hygiene standards in dental practice. This step ensures that any blood, tissue, or other materials are effectively removed before disinfecting and sterilizing the instruments. Visible debris can harbor pathogens that pose a risk of infection if not properly addressed.

Once the instruments are cleaned of any organic matter, they can then undergo further processing, typically involving sterilization to eliminate all microorganisms. This two-step approach—initial cleaning followed by sterilization—is foundational in infection control protocols within the healthcare setting, particularly in dentistry, where the risk of cross-contamination is especially high.

Rinsing with water alone does not adequately prepare instruments for safe storage or reuse, nor does it ensure that all contaminants are removed. Immediate sterilization without prior cleaning can lead to ineffective sterilization since bioburden (soil or organic matter) can protect microbes from being killed. Storing instruments without cleaning is unacceptable as it can lead to contamination and increase infection risks during procedures. Thus, the essential process of cleaning to remove visible debris is the correct answer and reflects best practices in dental hygiene and infection control.