Which type of instrument is classified as critical in dental hygiene?

In dental hygiene, instruments are classified based on their level of risk for infection transmission to patients. Critical instruments are those that penetrate soft tissue or bone, as they carry the highest risk of transmitting infections. Examples of critical instruments include surgical scalpels, forceps, needles, and instruments used for surgical procedures.

When these instruments are used, they must be sterilized between patients to eliminate any potential pathogens. This is crucial because they can introduce bacteria or viruses directly into the bloodstream or underlying tissues.

In contrast, instruments that come in contact with intact skin carry a lower risk and are typically labeled as semi-critical, requiring high-level disinfection rather than complete sterilization. Instruments used solely for assessment, such as mirrors and explorers, are classified as non-critical because they do not penetrate any tissues but only contact unbroken skin or mucosa. Finally, instruments used to clean teeth, meaning those designed for plaque and tartar removal (like scalers and curettes), while important, also fall under the semi-critical category.

Therefore, instruments that penetrate soft tissue or bone are recognized as critical due to the significant implications for patient safety and infection control.