Which statement about aerosols in the dental office is not true?

The statement regarding the necessity of sterilizing surfaces and air in dental offices is not true because, while maintaining cleanliness and disinfection of surfaces is critical, complete sterilization of all surfaces and air is not feasible or required. Infection control protocols typically focus on routine cleaning and disinfection of surfaces that are frequently touched or may become contaminated during dental procedures.

Aerosols, which are generated by dental practices, can travel and disperse throughout the office, thus highlighting the importance of proper ventilation and regular disinfection protocols. However, the concept of sterilizing air is not practical; rather, it is about maintaining a clean environment and reducing the microbial load through effective infection control measures. This understanding is essential for practicing infection control without creating unrealistic expectations regarding air quality in the dental setting.

The other statements correctly illustrate aspects of aerosol management and behavior in dentistry. For instance, biological aerosols are indeed produced by dental procedures using rotating instruments, they can carry pathogens, and they can travel and settle on surfaces several meters away from the source.