Analysis of sterilization record management in dental clinic

Kim, Sung-Hyun; Maeng, Myong-Ho; Kim, Hyun-Jong; Choi, Hye-Sook

doi:2025.63.8.234

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 63(8); 2025 > Article

Original Article

Journal of Korean Dental Association 2025;63(8):234-242.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22974/jkda.2025.63.8.001 Published online August 31, 2025.

Analysis of sterilization record management in dental clinic

Sung-Hyun Kim¹

, Myong-Ho Maeng²

, Hyun-Jong Kim³

, Hye-Sook Choi⁴

¹Yonsei Goummiso Dental Clinic, Seongnam, Korea
²Gaon Dental Hospital, Seoul, Korea
³Seoul Top Dental Hospital, Seoul, Korea
⁴Department of Dental Technology, Kyungdong University, Wonju, Korea

Correspondence: Hye-Sook Choi, Tel: +82-33-738-1304,
Email: chs@kduniv.ac.kr

Received: 10 June 2025 • Revised: 6 August 2025 • Accepted: 12 August 2025

Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to assess the current status of sterilization record management in dental clinics and propose measures to establish a systematic sterilization log management framework.
Materials and Methods
To examine the status of sterilization management, an online survey was conducted among members of the Korean Dental Association from May to June 2024. A total of 261 responses were analyzed. Frequency analysis was used to examine the general characteristics of respondents and the features of sterilization log creation and storage. Differences by type of medical institution were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at 0.05.
Results
Regarding sterilization log creation, 26.8% of respondents reported that they keep such records. Among them, 72.0% of dental hospitals and 22.0% of dental clinics reported doing so, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). For sterilization log management, 24.5% reported that they manage it, with dental hospitals at 72.0% and dental clinics at 19.5%, showing a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Regarding sterilization log retention, the overall rate was 67.1%, with 83.3% for dental hospitals and 61.5% for dental clinics, also showing a statistically significant difference (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Sterilization logs hold significance beyond mere recordkeeping, serving as foundational data for quality management in healthcare and ensuring patient safety. The introduction of standardized forms, enhancement of governmental support systems, and implementation of integrated management strategies should be discussed at the policy level.

Key Words: Dental Clinic; Infection Control; Sterilization Logs