Why does variant CJD appear to be the focus of attention for dental instruments?

Although there have been no reported cases of vCJD having been transmitted as a result of surgical procedures, the possibility cannot be ruled out. vCJD is a “prion” disease and therefore presents the most rigorous challenge to instrument decontamination processes. Therefore, a focus on ensuring that decontamination is effective in removing potential vCJD infectivity provides confidence that the risks from other infectious agents have been properly addressed.