Which of the following is a required method for sterilization in dental practices?

In dental practices, steam under pressure, also known as autoclaving, is a required method for sterilization. This process uses high-pressure steam to kill all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, ensuring that dental instruments are safe for patient use. Autoclaving is highly effective and is recognized as the gold standard in sterilization methods within healthcare settings, especially in dentistry, where maintaining sterile environments is paramount to prevent infections.

Other methods like ultraviolet light, antimicrobial soap, and disinfectant wipes serve different purposes. Ultraviolet light is used for disinfection but does not guarantee the complete sterilization required in dental practice. Antimicrobial soap may help in reducing microbial load on hands but does not sterilize instruments or surfaces. Disinfectant wipes are effective for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces but, similar to UV light, do not achieve the level of sterility required for dental instruments. Therefore, the selection of steam under pressure as the required method represents the high standards of infection control essential in dental hygiene practice.