OBJECTIVE To investigate the management status of small pressure steam sterilizers in dental institutions across seven major regions of China and provide references for establishing standardized monitoring and evaluation protocols for sterilization efficacy.

METHODS From Aug. to Nov. 2023, a convenience sampling method was employed to select 885 dental institutions of various levels from seven geographical regions. An online survey using a self-designed questionnaire was conducted to assess the management status of small pressure steam sterilizers in dental institutions.

RESULTS A total of 885 questionnaires were distributed, with 770 valid responses collected, covering 770 dental institutions at all levels. The survey involved 2 056 small pressure steam sterilizers, of which 43.14% were pre-vacuum type and 89.40% were benchtop models. Tertiary dental institutions had the highest proportion of imported small pressure steam sterilizers (60.15%), with most devices in use for 5-10 years (36.88%). Secondary and lower-level institutions predominantly used domestically produced small pressure steam sterilizers (74.60%), which used for 3-5 years accounting for the highest proportion(34.29%). While 85.58% of dental institutions employed dedicated sterilization personnel, only 45.84% performed proper maintenance for small pressure steam sterilizers. Training rates were 80.00% for department of stomatology in ungraded general hospitals and primary medical institutions, 76.19% in prejob and 71.43% during the work for department of stomatology in primary clinics, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS Although most dental institutions demonstrate sound policy formulation, challenges persist in equipment maintenance, policy implementation and grassroots training. Future efforts should be made on strengthening maintenance and inspection of equipment, enhancing system supervisory mechanisms, and optimizing training systems to ensure dental treatment safety.