Handpieces in dental settings must be sterilized after each use. What is the truth of this statement?

In dental settings, handpieces must be appropriately sterilized after each use to prevent cross-contamination and ensure patient safety. This is a critical requirement due to the high-risk environment of dental procedures, where exposure to blood and saliva can occur. Sterilization kills or eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, thus minimizing the risk of infection transmission.

The rationale behind this standard practice is founded in infection control protocols that aim to protect both patients and healthcare providers. Handpieces are classified as critical items because they are used in a way that may cause direct contact with blood or tissues, which is why they require sterilization after each procedure rather than just cleaning or disinfection, which may not eliminate all pathogens. Therefore, the statement that handpieces must be sterilized after each use is indeed true, reflecting the stringent infection control measures mandated in dental hygiene practice.