
On a daily basis, the practicing dentist and his personal are at risk of being exposed to a wide range of patients with blood borne diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, C and air borne diseases such as tuberculosis. Infection can be directly transmitted by oral fluids, blood, contaminated instruments and surfaces or via the respiratory system.Control of infection that spreads through various instruments and armamentarium used in the field of orthodontics and dentistry in general is of utmost importance as a preventive measure for cross infection. So, this article reviews the various methods of sterilization by focusing on the guidelines for an effective and efficient orthodontic practice.