[Biological safety in dentistry: development of a useful method for quality control of sterilization]

534 autoclaves from Rosario dentist offices were controlled by a method developed in our laboratory, that consists in: a) a procedures instruction; b) a survey ; c) a colorimetric control; d) a biological control. By this method it is possible to detect the mistake in the autoclave function by only one step. The results showed that 86.90% of the autoclaves lacked thermometers, 76.60% lacked manual thermostats, 83.33% were automatic and 58.80% did not sterilize. It can be concluded the necessity of a periodic control by this method, the importance of a commercial quality control of the furnaces and the urgency of continuous education over biosafety concepts.