Approach to Disinfection and Sterilization

Why is this topic necessary?

because disinfection and sterilization are similar, but there still some important different between them. so people need to know what is the different between them and their different definition and application...
disinfection and sterilization are both decontamination processes. disinfection is the process that kill most of the disease producing microorganisms, and sterilization is the process of killing "all" the microorganisms. this is the main different between sterilization and disinfection, and there are others different between  them. like methods, types, application.

Methods:

disinfection use phenolic disinfectants, heavy metals, halogens, bleach, alcohols, hydrogen peroxide, detergents, heating and pasteurization.

sterilization use heat, chemicals, irradiation, high pressure, and filtration.

Application:

Disinfection is used mostly to decontaminate surfaces and air.

Sterilization is used for food, medicine and surgical instruments.

Spaulding Classification

Critical items: Itmes that used in surgery, which pierce oft and hard tissue-scalpel blades,burs,extraction forceps,elevator,needles,files,bone-rongers,periodontal instrument used in prophylaxis,surgical drains for abscesses, and other instrument used in surgery,dental explorers,periodontal probes,biopsy punch,surgical drains,endodontic files and reamers, and implants

Semicritical items:items that do not necessarily penetrate soft and hard tissues but which cross the vemilion border into the oral cavity-mouth mirrors,handpiece,anesthetic syringes,chip syringes,amalgam condensers,impression trays,air/water syringe tips,high-volume evacuator tips

Non critical items:items used in dentistry,which do not cross the vemilion border or penetrate the soft tissues-chair light handles,instrument trays,high touch work surfaces,bracket tables,chair controls,air/water syringes,hoses and dental chairs