What is a critical step to take before reusing dental instruments?

Sterilizing dental instruments using an autoclave or other approved methods is fundamental before their reuse because it ensures that all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, are completely eliminated. This step is crucial to prevent cross-contamination and infection transmission between patients. Autoclaving, which uses high-pressure steam, is a highly effective method for achieving sterilization, providing an assurance of safety in dental practices.

The other options do not adequately ensure the instruments are sterile and safe for reuse. For example, soaking in alcohol may reduce the number of pathogens but does not guarantee complete sterilization. Washing with soap and water is important for cleaning but does not suffice for sterilization. Simply rinsing with water is insufficient as it does not remove debris or organisms, making it an unsafe practice. Therefore, utilizing an approved sterilization method is the critical step that upholds infection control standards in dental settings.