What is the required action for high-speed dental handpieces and slow-speed dental instruments after each use?

The requirement for high-speed dental handpieces and slow-speed dental instruments after each use is that they must be sterilized. Sterilization is crucial in dental practices to ensure that all instruments are free from any microorganisms that could potentially cause infections or cross-contamination between patients. High-speed and slow-speed handpieces are used in various procedures that can expose them to blood, saliva, and other potentially infectious materials, making thorough sterilization essential to maintain patient safety and comply with health regulations.

While cleaning is a necessary step in the infection control process, it is not sufficient on its own. Instruments must be cleaned before they can be effectively sterilized, but the final step of sterilization ensures that any remaining microorganisms are killed. Inspection is also important to check for wear and damage, and in some cases, instruments must be cleaned as part of the inspection process; however, it is the sterilization that is mandated to prevent infection.

This context highlights the importance of understanding the protocol surrounding dental instrument sterilization to uphold clinical standards and protect patient health.