Infection control: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Infection control

Sample item

What is the purpose of sterilizing reusable dental instruments?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Destroy all viable microorganisms

Sterilization destroys all viable microorganisms including spores on appropriately processed instruments, reducing cross-infection risk between patients and staff.

Option by option

  • A. Destroy all viable microorganisms (correct)

    Correct: sterilization eliminates viable microbes including spores.

  • B. Improve tooth shade

    Instrument sterilization does not change tooth shade.

  • C. Polish enamel

    Polishing enamel is a cosmetic procedure.

  • D. Replace cleaning

    Cleaning is required before sterilization, not replaced by it.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, Destroy all viable microorganisms. Sterilization destroys all viable microorganisms including spores on appropriately processed instruments, reducing cross-infection risk between patients and staff.

Why is "Improve tooth shade" not the answer?

Instrument sterilization does not change tooth shade.

Why is "Polish enamel" not the answer?

Polishing enamel is a cosmetic procedure.

Why is "Replace cleaning" not the answer?

Cleaning is required before sterilization, not replaced by it.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infection control in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: sterilization eliminates viable microbes including spores.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Infection control?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.