Which of the following practices is essential for decontaminating dental instruments?

The practice of carrying out disinfection before sterilization is essential for decontaminating dental instruments because it effectively reduces the microbial load on the instruments, making the subsequent sterilization process more effective. Disinfection involves using specific chemicals or procedures to eliminate a significant number of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, from the surface of the instruments. This step is crucial because sterilization processes, such as autoclaving, can be hindered by the presence of organic matter or debris, which may protect microorganisms from being killed.

By first disinfecting the instruments, dental professionals ensure that they are applying sterilization to surfaces that have already been cleaned of major contaminants, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the sterilization method. This two-step process is a standard practice in infection control protocols within dental settings to ensure patient safety and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.