Clean a Dental Handpiece step by step
As a dental assistant, it is your responsibility to care for and sterilize the dental equipment after each patient. Care must be taken in cleaning the dental handpieces because they are delicate and expensive pieces of equipment. By following the suggested procedure, you can ensure that your dental handpieces remain in good working order for several years.
step 1
Remove the handpiece from the air/water line. Some handpieces simply pull off, and others need to be twisted. Remove the sharp burr and dispose it or prepare for sterilization.
Step 2
Wipe the handpiece down well with a disposable germicidal wipe. Once you have removed any visible debris, discard the wipe. Wipe down again with a fresh wipe.
Step 3
Place in the dental autoclave. When the autoclave is full, run as directed.
Step 4
Put on clean gloves and remove the handpiece from the autoclave when the cycle is over. Run lubrication through the handpiece if it is scheduled to be lubricated. If you are lubricating the handpiece, run it on the air supply line to remove excess lubrication, and wipe with a germicidal wipe afterward.
Step 5
Place the sterilized handpiece in a sterile envelope, and place on a tray or in a drawer for the next patient. When you are ready to use the handpiece, replace on the air/water supply line wearing clean gloves.