Which procedure is essential for preventing cross-contamination in dental practices?

Proper autoclave sterilisation is essential for preventing cross-contamination in dental practices because it effectively destroys all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores. Autoclaving uses high-pressure steam at a specific temperature for a set duration, ensuring that instruments are not just cleaned but fully sterilised. This process is crucial because it guarantees that instruments used on one patient do not transmit infections or pathogens to another patient, thereby maintaining a safe environment in the dental setting.

In contrast, while the use of disposable instruments can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination, it does not eliminate the need for sterile practices since not all instruments used in dentistry are disposable. Rinsing instruments with water does not provide sufficient cleaning or sterilisation and may actually spread contaminants. Soaking instruments in mouthwash is ineffective for sterilisation purposes as mouthwash is not designed to kill all pathogens and does not undergo the rigorous processes required for effective disinfection or sterilisation.