What is the first step in the instrument processing sequence?

The first step in the instrument processing sequence is cleaning. Cleaning is crucial because it removes debris, blood, and other contaminants from dental instruments, ensuring that they are properly prepared for subsequent disinfection and sterilization processes. This step is fundamental because if instruments are not adequately cleaned, the effectiveness of sterilization can be compromised, leading to potential exposure to pathogens.

Transport, while important in the overall sequence of processing instruments, occurs after cleaning and involves taking the soiled instruments to the cleaning area. Sterilization is the process that follows cleaning, where instruments are subjected to conditions that eliminate all forms of microbial life. Quality assurance encompasses various checks and processes that ensure the cleaning and sterilization procedures are performed correctly and effectively, but it is not a direct step in the physical processing of instruments. Therefore, understanding that cleaning is the initial and critical step helps ensure the overall effectiveness of infection control measures in the dental practice.