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

Instruments that do not come into contact with mucous membranes are classified as noncritical. This classification is important in infection control practices within the dental setting. Noncritical items are those that only contact intact skin and pose a lower risk of transmitting infection compared to critical and semicritical items.

Noncritical instruments, such as dental x-ray units and light handles, typically require less rigorous disinfection procedures, often involving low-level disinfectants or intermediate-level disinfectants. The rationale behind this classification is based on the transmission risk; since noncritical items do not touch mucous membranes, the likelihood of passing infectious agents through these items is significantly reduced.

In contrast, critical instruments, such as scalers or surgical instruments, penetrate soft tissue or bone and must be sterilized to eliminate any risk of infection. Semicritical items, which contact mucous membranes but do not penetrate tissues, require high-level disinfection. Understanding these classifications helps dental healthcare professionals implement appropriate infection control measures tailored to the level of risk associated with different types of instruments.