Reprocessing of handpieces and attachments is one of the cornerstones of infection prevention, and essential for the delivery of safe dental care. Thorough reprocessing of handpieces and attachments in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and relevant regulations is essential. The CDC recommends that reprocessing of handpieces and attachments that attach to and detach from the dental unit’s air and water lines includes a series of steps that include cleaning and autoclaving. In some states, this is a regulation. For cordless stand-alone units, current FDA regulations should be followed, per the CDC, including following the validated manufacturer’s Instructions for Use (IFU) for reprocessing of these devices. The handpiece manufacturer’s instructions for reprocessing in the IFU must be followed, as well as recommendations for maintenance, effective reprocessing, and to prolong the life of handpieces and attachments. The overall goal of this article is to provide the reader with information on the instrument processing of handpieces, attachments, and components.
After reading this article, participants should be able to:
- Describe the findings of studies performed to determine the potential for handpiece and attachment contamination during use.
- List and describe typical steps in handpiece reprocessing.
- Review challenges and outcomes of inadequate cleaning, lubrication, purging, and of not following the IFU on autoclaving.
- Discuss required handpiece maintenance and repairs.
