What does the term 'disinfection' specifically aim to achieve?

The term 'disinfection' specifically aims to inhibit most pathogens during their active growth phase, which means it targets a significant number of microorganisms, particularly those that can cause disease, but does not necessarily eliminate all forms of bacteria, as is implied in other options. Disinfection is an essential practice in dental hygiene to ensure that tools and surfaces are sufficiently treated to prevent the spread of infection while recognizing that complete sterility might not be feasible in all situations.

Eliminating all bacterial forms would be a definition more aligned with 'sterilization' rather than disinfection, which does not seek to achieve total microbial absence. Removing tartar from teeth surfaces pertains to the cleaning and scaling process rather than disinfection, while ensuring total microbial presence is absent would also suggest sterilization. Thus, the best representation of the goal of disinfection within dental hygiene is to effectively inhibit most pathogenic microorganisms to maintain safety and health.