Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Glutaraldehyde is recognized for its potent viricidal properties, often used as a high-level disinfectant in healthcare settings. It is effective against a wide range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Its ability to penetrate cell membranes and denature proteins makes it a strong choice for disinfection. This characteristic is crucial in environments where sterilization is fundamental, such as in dental practices and surgical centers.

While other substances like sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine, and alcohol do possess antibacterial and antiviral properties, their effectiveness can vary depending on concentration, contact time, and the specific microorganisms involved. Sodium hypochlorite is indeed a strong disinfectant, but it may not always maintain efficacy in the presence of organic material. Chlorhexidine is primarily an antiseptic, focusing more on bacteria rather than providing broad-spectrum viricidal action. Alcohol at 70% is effective against many viruses but does not have the same viricidal potency as glutaraldehyde when it comes to resistant viruses and high-level disinfection scenarios.

Understanding the differences in the properties of these disinfectants helps in choosing the right one based on the specific disinfection requirements, particularly for non-critical or semi-critical instruments in dental practice.