Efficacy of Ultrasonic Cleaning Products With Various Disinfection Chemistries on Dental Instruments Contaminated With Bioburden

Abstract

Objectives

The effective cleaning of reusable dental instruments that removes organic bioburden is a crucial process in infection prevention and control in dental clinics. Despite widespread use, the parameters affecting the efficacy of ultrasonic cleaning products with different chemistries remain underexplored. In the present study, we comprehensively evaluated the cleaning efficacy of commonly available cleaning detergent products against organic bioburden on dental instruments.

Methods

Thirteen commercially available cleaning detergent products were assessed using Browne STF Load Check Indicators under both static and ultrasonic cleaning conditions at room temperature (25°C) and warm temperature (40°C). Experiments evaluated the effect of product concentration and contact time (1, 5, 10, and 30 minutes), and the economic impact of cleaning detergent dilution. Cleaning efficacy was also tested against artificially soiled dental instruments using ProReveal fluorescence technology.

Results

Significant variability in cleaning efficacy among test products was observed. Optizyme Ultra (6 mL/L), Asepti Multizyme (8 mL/L), and Getinge Enzymatic Plus (20 mL/L) demonstrated superior cleaning performance, particularly when used in ultrasonic cleaners at 40°C. In general, enzymatic products consistently outperformed nonenzymatic products for the removal of organic bioburden. Products performed better with ultrasonic agitation than under static conditions, and optimal results were obtained after 10 minutes exposure time at 40°C.

Conclusion

The present study for the first time provides a comprehensive insight into the role of product selection, optimal concentration, temperature, and cleaning duration in maximising soil removal from dental instruments.