Disinfection of visible-light-curing devices.

Assays were developed for evaluating disinfection of visible-light-curing devices which were deliberately contaminated with an indicator organism, Streptococcus mutans, and devices which were contaminated during routine clinical use. Results indicated that wiping the surface with a substituted phenolic agent followed by wrapping in gauze saturated with the same solution was most effective for disinfecting the device handle and tip surfaces. Longer contact with the disinfectant is recommended to ensure virucidal/sporicidal action.