OBJECTIVE: to search for scientific evidence to support the re-sterilization and re-utilization of dental and medical single use devices. METHODS: twenty basic research publications and one review article were used to conduct a systematic review of the literature. RESULTS: in spite of the majority of studies being classified as experimental, only 3 studies used randomization. There were mixed results regarding evidence to support the re-sterilization and re-utilization of single use devices, which might be in part due to non-standardized method re-sterilization and quality control. CONCLUSION: re-sterilization and re-utilization of single use devices cannot be applied to general practice. It is crucial to consider case by case based on validation of scientific protocol and evidence of quality control.
Re-sterilization; Dental Devices; Medical Devices; Biomedical and dental supplies; Review of literature
