Is a UV light box (so-called 'sterilizer') an acceptable substitute for chemical disinfection of tools?

A UV light box is not an acceptable substitute for proper chemical disinfection. UV boxes do not reliably kill the range of pathogens on tools and are generally suitable only as clean, dry storage for already-disinfected implements. Tools must first be cleaned and disinfected with an appropriate EPA-registered product. Relying on a UV box alone leaves tools unsafe. This is a common misconception, and exams test whether candidates know that UV storage does not equal disinfection or sterilization.