Is a thermal washer/disinfector an acceptable substitute for ultrasonic cleaning of dental instruments?
A Yes. Washer/disinfectors and washer/decontaminators that have been cleared for marketing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are a suitable alternative to ultrasonic cleaning. Household dishwashers, however, are not acceptable for healthcare applications. Dishwashers and other household appliances have not been evaluated by the FDA to guarantee adherence to the strict operating parameters that healthcare applications demand.
