Level of Knowledge of the Use of Sterilization Equipment Among Final-Year Dental Trainees: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Mexican State

Background: Adequate knowledge of sterilization procedures and monitoring is essential for infection prevention in dental practice. This study evaluated knowledge of sterilization equipment among final-year dental trainees in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Social Service dental trainees from three universities. Of 214 eligible students, 174 participated (81.3%). Knowledge was assessed using a 16-item questionnaire covering sterilization methods, procedures, monitoring, equipment maintenance, and causes of failure. Total scores ranged from 0 to 16 and were descriptively classified as low (0–5), moderate (6–11), or high (12–16). Results: The mean knowledge score was 10.39 ± 1.90, and 70.7% of participants were classified in the moderate-score category. Knowledge of general sterilization concepts and equipment maintenance was high, whereas important gaps were identified in monitoring procedures. Only 29.3% correctly identified a chemical indicator, 35.6% identified the biological indicator recommended by the Mexican standard, 32.2% identified Geobacillus stearothermophilus for steam sterilization, 16.7% identified Bacillus atrophaeus for dry heat, and 25.9% knew the biological monitoring frequency established by NOM-013-SSA2-2015. Monitoring scores differed by sex (p = 0.042), but sex and age were not independently associated with a high total knowledge score in the adjusted model. Sensitivity analyses consistently showed that the moderate-score category remained predominant after potentially problematic questionnaire items were excluded. Conclusions: Final-year dental trainees showed high correct-response frequencies for general sterilization concepts but important knowledge gaps in biological monitoring and operational sterilization parameters. These findings support targeted curricular reinforcement of biological sterilization monitoring, equipment operating parameters, and practical infection control competencies before graduates enter independent dental practice.