Final answer:
Autoclave sterilization requires the highest temperature in dental settings, typically 121 °C or 132 °C, for effective moist-heat sterilization of a wide range of microorganisms, including endospores.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of sterilization used in the dental office that requires the highest temperature is autoclave sterilization. Autoclaves utilize moist-heat sterilization, which involves using steam to raise temperatures above the boiling point of water, effectively killing a wide range of microorganisms, including resistant endospores, without damaging the sterilized items. Standard operating temperatures for autoclaves are typically 121 °C or 132 °C, which is higher than dry heat sterilization methods. This process ensures the complete sterilization of surgical tools and other items that can tolerate such high temperatures and steam exposure.
While dry heat sterilization, such as incineration or hot air ovens, can reach up to 170 °C, it is typically for longer periods and not as effective as moist-heat in penetrating and killing microbes. On the other hand, ethylene oxide sterilization is a form of chemical and cold sterilization that is suitable for heat-sensitive items and does not require high temperatures. Thus, the autoclave is the method that necessitates the highest temperature for sterilization in dental or clinical settings.