Why is alcohol not considered an acceptable disinfectant solution in dental practices?

Alcohol is not considered an acceptable disinfectant solution in dental practices primarily because it evaporates too rapidly from surfaces. This rapid evaporation can significantly reduce the contact time needed for effective disinfection, rendering it less effective, especially in settings that require thorough and prolonged antimicrobial action. Disinfectants typically need to remain wet on the surface for a specified period to effectively kill microorganisms, and alcohol's tendency to evaporate quickly prevents it from achieving this necessary contact time.

While alcohol does possess some antibacterial properties, its fast evaporation rate limits its practical use in environments such as dental practices, where comprehensive disinfection is critical to preventing infections. Other disinfectants with longer contact times are typically more suitable for such environments, as they ensure that surfaces remain adequately disinfected after a procedure.