What does disinfection do?

Disinfection refers to the process of using chemical agents to reduce or eliminate harmful microorganisms on surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill all microorganisms but is effective in significantly reducing the number of viable pathogens to a level that is not harmful for health. Disinfection is particularly important in a dental setting where controlling infections is crucial to patient safety and the overall effectiveness of treatment.

While some of the other options relate to important aspects of infection control, they do not encompass the full description of disinfection. For example, the first option suggests a total kill of all microorganisms, which is more characteristic of sterilization. The option that mentions removing visible dirt refers to cleaning, a necessary step before disinfection but distinct from the disinfection process itself. Lastly, preventing contamination is part of a broader infection control strategy that includes disinfection, among other practices. Thus, recognizing that disinfection specifically involves reducing harmful microorganisms highlights the importance of this practice in maintaining a safe dental environment.