What term describes the cleaning method that destroys all pathogenic microorganisms and spores?

The term that describes the cleaning method that destroys all pathogenic microorganisms and spores is "sterilised." Sterilisation is a thorough process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, which are often more resistant to cleaning methods. This level of cleaning is crucial in dental settings, where the risk of infection is high and procedures require the highest standards of aseptic technique.

In contrast, decontaminated refers to the reduction of pathogens to a safe level but does not ensure all microorganisms, particularly spores, are eliminated. Disinfection involves using chemicals to reduce the number of pathogens to a level that is not harmful to health but still may leave some resilient microorganisms, including some spores. The term socially clean generally applies to cleanliness perceived in everyday settings and does not have a specific meaning in medical or dental hygiene contexts. Thus, the precision of sterilisation distinguishes it as the correct choice in this context.