This SOP defines the standard process for cleaning, packaging, sterilizing, and storing reusable dental instruments so that every instrument used on a patient is safe, sterile, and compliant with CDC and OSHA infection-control requirements.
Adapt the equipment names, cycle parameters, and monitoring intervals to your practice. Copy it, print it, or open it in the generator to customize.
Purpose
To ensure reusable dental instruments are consistently reprocessed and sterilized in accordance with CDC guidelines and the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
Scope
Applies to all clinical and sterilization-area staff who handle contaminated or sterile instruments.
Responsibilities
- Infection Control Coordinator: Maintains this SOP, trains staff, and reviews sterilization logs.
- Sterilization Technician: Performs reprocessing exactly as described and records each cycle.
- All Clinical Staff: Transport instruments safely and never reuse an unsterilized instrument.
Step-by-Step Procedure
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1. Transport & holding
- Place used instruments in a puncture-resistant, leak-proof cassette at chairside.
- Transport to the contaminated side of the sterilization area; never carry loose sharps.
- Apply a pre-soak solution if reprocessing is delayed.
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2. Cleaning
- Don utility gloves and full PPE.
- Pre-rinse to remove gross debris, then clean in an ultrasonic cleaner or instrument washer.
- Rinse thoroughly and inspect; re-clean anything not visibly clean.
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3. Drying, inspection & packaging
- Dry instruments completely and inspect for damage or corrosion.
- Package in pouches/wrap with an internal chemical integrator.
- Label with sterilizer number, load number, and date; confirm external indicators.
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4. Sterilization
- Load the autoclave without overpacking to allow steam circulation.
- Select the correct cycle for the load type and confirm temperature, pressure, and time.
- Do not open the chamber until the drying phase completes.
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5. Monitoring & storage
- Record every load: date, operator, contents, parameters, and indicator results.
- Run a biological (spore) indicator at least weekly and with every implantable load.
- Store sterile packages in a clean, dry, closed cabinet; practice event-related storage.
Checklist Version
- PPE donned before handling contaminated instruments
- Instruments cleaned ultrasonically and inspected
- Packages labeled with sterilizer, load, and date
- Internal and external indicators present
- Autoclave cycle parameters verified
- Cycle recorded in the sterilization log
- Weekly biological (spore) test performed and passed
- Sterile packages stored in a clean, dry, closed cabinet