Decon: L7 - Handpieces & Compressors

Question 1

how should a dental handpiece be cleaned?

Answer 1

• washer disinfector (NEVER ULTRASONIC BATH)
• Handpiece then sterilised

never use ultrasonic bath as vibrations can damage the equipment

Question 2

what are the top 5 causes of handpiece faults?

Answer 2

• incorrect compressor settings/lack of maintenance
• damaged/oversized bur fitted
• incorrect instrument usage
• poor/inadequate cleaning, including incorrect processing
• incorrect/inadequate lubrication

Question 3

how can handpieces be damaged during poor cleaning technique?

Answer 3

• sterilising at incorrect temperatures

Question 4

what benefit does cleaning & flushing through the spray air channels have for a handpiece?

Answer 4

• prevents build-up of scale
• keeps fine spray nozzles free