Status of Using Small Autoclaves in Dental Departments and Clinics

Objectives  To understand the current situation of using small autoclaves in dental departments and clinics and provide suggestions on improving the quality of sterilization.

Methods  The application of small autoclaves in dental departments and clinics in a city was investigated by a questionnaire and field survey.

Results  The qualities of sterilization for 61 sets of small autoclaves were investigated, 90.2% were carried out with biological monitoring, the self-monitoring rate was 58.2%, and 24.1% of biological monitoring were carried out weekly. As to physical detection, the qualified rates for temperature parameter and time parameter were 82.5% and 94.7% respectively, and the qualified rates for biological detections were 100%.

Conclusions  The general qualities of sterilization carried out by small autoclaves were good, but hidden trouble in safety would be inevitable. Daily monitoring the quality of sterilization in dental departments at all levels, especially in primary dental clinics, should be strengthened. Professional knowledge training for operators must be reinforced.