What process involves cleaning that destroys some, but not all, microorganisms?

The process that destroys some, but not all, microorganisms is disinfection. Disinfection is typically used in healthcare settings to significantly reduce the number of pathogens on surfaces and instruments. This method involves the application of disinfectants, which can effectively kill a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, but may not completely eliminate all spores or certain resilient organisms.

In the context of infection control within dental assisting, understanding disinfection is crucial. This method is essential to maintain a safe clinical environment, especially considering that dental practices involve exposure to blood and saliva, where the presence of infectious agents can pose serious risks to both patients and healthcare providers.

While sterilization refers to a process that kills all forms of microbial life, including spores, and cleaning simply refers to the removal of dirt and organic matter, disinfecting strikes a balance by significantly reducing harmful microorganisms to a safe level without achieving complete sterility. Sanitization also lowers the number of germs on surfaces to acceptable levels, but it doesn't necessarily destroy pathogens as effectively as disinfection. Thus, disinfection is the correct term for the process described in the question.