Proper disinfection and cleaning of dental work surfaces are vital in preventing the transmission of infectious pathogens to healthcare workers and patients. This is a critically important part of safe care for patients and health care providers. In recent years, concerns about the possible spread of blood-borne diseases and the impact of emerging, highly contagious respiratory and other illnesses have grown.

This course will review the in and outs of contact time. There are many variables on contact time amongst different disinfectants. Every disinfectant is made and tested to kill a certain virus. For a disinfectant to successfully kill the virus indicated, it must have a specific contact time.