Why Biological Monitoring Matters in Dental Offices

Effective sterilization is essential to protecting patients and staff in the dental setting. Biological monitoring, or spore testing, is the most reliable way to confirm that sterilization equipment is working properly. When resistant spores are destroyed during a sterilization cycle, it is assumed that all other microorganisms have been eliminated.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association recommend weekly spore testing, and most state dental boards require it. While mechanical and chemical indicators show that a sterilizer has run and reached certain conditions, biological indicators confirm that true sterilization has occurred.

What to Do After a Positive Spore Test

Occasionally, a single positive spore test may occur and does not always indicate equipment failure. If a spore test turns positive, then contact your biological monitoring service immediately for assistance. Generally, a single positive spore test probably does not indicate sterilizer malfunction, especially if the mechanical and chemical indicators demonstrate sterilizer effectiveness.

Common causes include overloading the chamber, improper packaging, or incorrect cycle settings. When this happens, the CDC recommends removing the sterilizer from service, repeating the spore test immediately, and reviewing loading and operating procedures. If the repeat test is negative and all indicators confirm proper function, the sterilizer can be returned to service.

Building a Culture of Safety

Biological monitoring isn’t just about checking a regulatory box – it’s about building confidence. Patients trust dental healthcare personnel to protect their health, and consistent spore testing helps ensure that trust is well placed. For staff, it provides reassurance that the systems they rely on every day are functioning as intended.

Ongoing biological monitoring helps dental offices maintain compliance, reduce risk, and ensure the highest standard of infection control for every patient.

Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has provided dental professionals with comprehensive programs to support regulatory compliance and infection control. We are a registered continuing education provider in the state of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and OSHA training.

In addition, OSHA Review, Inc. provides sterilizer monitoring services in all 50 states through OSHA Review’s Spore Check System. The Spore Check System is endorsed by the Arizona, Ohio and Texas Dental Association.