Ultrasonic cleaners in dental decontamination

The need to thoroughly clean dental instruments prior to sterilisation is beyond question. HTM 01-05 outlines the guidelines for decontaminating reusable instruments in dental facilities, of which the ultrasonic cleaner is a key component.

Infection control procedures have always been of utmost priority in primary care environments and the need to scrupulously clean dental instruments prior to sterilisation is universally recognised. Ultrasonic cleaning's ability to penetrate difficult to access box joints, hinges and threads makes ultrasonics more effective than any other pre-sterilisation cleaning method in cleaning these complex items (Perakaki et al, 2007).

The most advanced ultrasonic cleaning baths have been designed to meet these recommendations and incorporate technology and features which mean that they are vastly different from the standard ultrasonic cleaners used in other industries.