Which of the following is NOT one of the leading methods of sterilization?

The correct answer is that radiation is not one of the leading methods of sterilization commonly used in dental practice. Autoclaves, chemiclaves, and cold sterilization are well-established techniques utilized in the dental field to ensure instruments and materials are free from all forms of microbial life.

Autoclaves use steam under pressure to achieve high temperatures that effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and spores. This method is favored for its reliability and thoroughness in sterilization. Similarly, chemiclaves use a combination of heat and chemical vapors to achieve sterilization, making them effective for items that may be sensitive to moisture.

Cold sterilization involves soaking instruments in a chemical solution that is capable of killing microorganisms, and it is often used for materials that cannot withstand high temperatures. While radiation can be used as a method of sterilization in certain contexts, such as in medical or pharmaceutical settings, it is not typically employed in dental practices for routine sterilization of dental instruments. Therefore, it does not rank among the primary methods utilized in dental infection control.