Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which process is involved in the removal of organic and inorganic material from surfaces?

1. Sterilization

2. Disinfection

3. Cleaning

4. Germicidal treatment

The correct answer is: Cleaning

The process involved in the removal of organic and inorganic material from surfaces is cleaning. Cleaning is the initial step in infection control and serves to physically remove soil, debris, and microorganisms from objects and surfaces. By utilizing detergents or soaps, cleaning helps to reduce the bioburden and prepares the surfaces for subsequent disinfection or sterilization if necessary. While sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all microorganisms, including spores, and disinfection specifically pertains to killing or inactivating pathogenic microorganisms, cleaning is distinct because it does not necessarily destroy or kill bacteria but rather focuses on the removal of contaminants. Germicidal treatment, on the other hand, involves using chemicals or heat to kill pathogens but does not imply the physical removal of dirt or debris. Therefore, the emphasis here is on the effectiveness of cleaning in preparing surfaces for further decontamination processes.