Instruments that do not come into contact with mucous membranes are classified as?

Instruments that do not come into contact with mucous membranes are classified as noncritical. This classification is based on how instruments interact with the body during dental procedures. Noncritical instruments have minimal risk of transmitting infection because they generally only come into contact with intact skin or are used in areas where the risk of cross-contamination is low. Examples include items such as radiographic equipment, light handles, and certain types of mirrors.

The importance of identifying noncritical instruments lies in the fact that they require less stringent cleaning and disinfection protocols compared to semicritical and critical items, which do contact mucous membranes or penetrate tissues and therefore pose a higher risk for pathogen transmission. Understanding these classifications is essential in implementing appropriate infection control practices in a dental environment, thereby ensuring the safety of both patients and dental professionals.