[Function of the central sterilization office at the Semmelweis Clinic of Conservative Dentistry and Prosthodontics].

In order to prevent cross-infection by blood borne and other pathogens central sterilization department has been constructed in the common building of the Depts. of Conservative Dentistry and Prosthodontics. Instrument sterilization is accomplished in six steps: (1) consolidation and transport of instruments, (2) cleaning, (3) packaging, (4) sterilization, (5) storage, (6) sterilizer monitoring. This process is performed by trained sterilization technicians to ensure that attending faculty, student dentists, clinical staff and patients are protected from cross-infection caused by contaminated dental instruments.