Buchanan, Glynn DaleGamieldien, Mohamed YasinTredoux, ShereeWarren, Nichola2021-10-292021-10-292020-05Buchanan, G.D.; Gamieldien, M.Y.; Tredoux, S. et al. 2020, 'Sterilisation and single-use of endodontic files', South African Dental Journal, vol. 75, no. 4, pp. 189-191.1029-4864 (print)2519-0105 (online)10.17159/2519-0105/2020/v75no4a3http://hdl.handle.net/2263/82292INTRODUCTION : In many countries, endodontic files continue to be sterilised and reused in multiple clinical cases as the alternative of single-use of these instruments is avoided due to financial reasons. METHODS : A survey was performed including South African general dental practitioners and specialist prosthodontists to determine the current endodontic file sterilisation methods in place and the adoption rate of single-use protocols of both hand and engine-driven instruments. RESULTS : The majority of respondents (76.6%, n=141/184) indicated autoclaving endodontic files prior to reuse. Almost a quarter of the respondents (23.4%, (n=43/184) used only cold sterilisation. Some respondents (2,8%, n=5/181) indicated not sterilising their files at all. A low number of respondents had adopted the single-use of endodontic hand files (10.9%, n=20/184). Engine-driven files were used only once and discarded by 18.5% (n=34/184) of respondents. CONCLUSION : It appears that, at times, acceptable infection prevention and control practices regarding the sterilisation these instruments are not necessarily being adhered to. The adoption of single-use protocols of endodontic files in a South African dental setting is higher than previously reported.en© 2020 E-Doc cc. The SADJ is licensed under Creative Commons Licence CC-BY-NC-4.0.Endodontic filesSingle-useSterilisationSurveyArticle