Which of the following is a method for sterilizing instruments?

The method of sterilizing instruments through dry heat is effective because it uses high temperatures to kill microorganisms and ensure that instruments are free from any pathogens. Dry heat sterilization works by dehydrating the organisms and denaturing their proteins. This method is particularly useful for materials that may be compromised by moisture, such as powders or oils, and it takes longer than other methods but is effective at achieving thorough sterilization of dental instruments.

While boiling water can eliminate some microorganisms, it does not reach the high temperatures necessary for complete sterilization, which is why it is not always reliable. Microwaving instruments is also not a recognized or standardized method for sterilization in a dental setting due to inconsistent heating and the risk of damaging the instruments. An ultrasonic cleaner, while effective for cleaning debris from instruments, does not sterilize; it is typically used as a pre-cleaning step before sterilization.