What are the primary types of infection control procedures in dental radiography?

The primary types of infection control procedures in dental radiography include sterilization, disinfection, and antiseptic techniques. These methods are essential for preventing the transmission of pathogens during the dental imaging process.

Sterilization involves the complete elimination of all microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores. This is crucial for instruments that are used in and around the mouth, where there is a high risk of contamination.

Disinfection, on the other hand, refers to the process of eliminating most pathogens except large numbers of bacterial spores. It is commonly applied to surfaces and non-critical items that may come into contact with saliva or blood but do not penetrate the mucous membranes.

Antiseptic techniques involve the application of antimicrobial substances to living tissue, which helps reduce the risk of infection when radiography is performed, particularly with procedures that might compromise the skin barrier.

The other options do not encompass the full scope of infection control required in the dental setting. Cleaning and sanitization, while important, do not specifically address the complete range of measures like sterilization and disinfection that are necessary for effective infection control. Filtration and scrubbing are not standard practices in infection control for radiographic procedures, and wiping and soaking, while relevant in some cleaning contexts, do