Course Info
Content Categories
Empty Message Component
Reprocessing and Maintenance of Handpieces and Attachments: Following the Recommendations
Educational Objectives
The overall goal of this article is to provide the reader with information on reprocessing and maintenance of handpieces and components. After reading this course, participants should be able to:
- List and describe the recommended steps in handpiece reprocessing;
- Describe key elements of the recent CDC Statement on handpiece reprocessing;
- Review the handling of handpieces and components not attached to dental unit water or airlines; and,
- Discuss issues that may occur associated with handpiece reprocessing and maintenance, causes and solutions.
Abstract
Instrument reprocessing of handpieces and attachments is an essential component of infection control and is based on the CDC guidelines. It is also essential that the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU) are followed and that all reprocessing procedures and the products used are in accordance with these. Handpieces and attachments that attach and detach to the dental unit’s air and water lines should be heat sterilized (autoclaved) in accordance with the IFU. In addition, the California Dental Practice Act, and regulations in other States require appropriate reprocessing as discussed in this article. For stand-alone cordless handpieces and motors, the manufacturer’s validated reprocessing instructions should be followed. Further, appropriate reprocessing and handpiece maintenance are important for the lifetime of handpieces (and attachments). Maintenance and proper use prevent wear, other damage, and failure of handpieces and attachments.
Additional Information
Author Bio
Dr. Fiona M. Collins, BDS, MBA, MA
Dr. Collins has presented throughout the US and internationally, educating dental professionals and students through interactive and engaging live presentations, webinars, and continuing education articles. Fiona has also worked with organizations to deliver practical and cutting edge information that enhances patient care and safety. Her topics include infection control and OSHA, the prevention and management of oral disease, HPV, dry mouth, dental materials, pain management, and vaping, marijuana, and tobacco cessation. During her career, she has worked in general practice, academia, industry, and as a consultant. Dr. Collins is the ADA representative to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), a member of the ADA, and the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), a participant in Standards working groups, and a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Fiona is a Friend of Hu-Friedy. She received an honorarium from Dental Learning for coauthoring this course. Dr. Collins can be reached at drfionacollins@gmail.com.
Disclosures
Commercial Disclosure
This free Dental Learning presentation is made possible through the continued support of Dental Learning. Dr. Fiona M. Collins, BDS, MBA, MA is a consultant and/or speaker for the following companies and/or organizations: Dental Learning, Dental Learning. Dr. Fiona M. Collins, BDS, MBA, MA may receive an honorarium as compensation from the CE Supporter of this presentation and/or from Dental Learning for the time involved in preparing and delivering this online presentation.
Dental Learning is an approved ADA CERP Provider, AGD PACE Provider, and California State Dental Board Provider of dental continuing education. Dental Learning strives to deliver balanced, objective and clinically relevant information grounded on scientific research. Lecturers who are invited to deliver Dental Learning CE webinars are advised to substantiate their claims with research-supported data and to disclose all commitments to, or relationships with, any commercial entity within the dental industry. In many cases, lecturers are sponsored by a dental manufacturing company, which provides them with support in the form of honorarium and/or dental products and equipment in order to help with clinical presentations. Prior to each live CE webinar, lecturers are made aware of the importance of delivering their presentations without commercial bias, and where appropriate, to mention a variety of different product choices that may be relevant to the subject matter of the lecture, for the educational benefit of the participant.
Disclaimer
Dental Learning LLC sites offer content that include opinions, techniques, recommendations, etc. from a variety of writers and speakers that are not necessarily endorsed by Dental Learning LLC, its associates and sponsored Dental Affiliates. Viewers are responsible for verifying the validity, accuracy and relevance of all content before implementing any techniques, products or recommendations into their clinical setting. Viewers understand that Dental Learning LLC, its associates, writers, speakers and sponsored Dental Learning Affiliates are not in any way responsible or liable for any adverse events that may occur (i.e., in a clinical setting or anywhere) based on any information disseminated from Dental Learning LLC sites, including all Dental Learning sites.
The copyrights and other rights to the slides and video contained in a webinar posted on this website are owned by the speaker, Dental Learning LLC, and/or the sponsor company and/or its subsidiaries worldwide. Viewers are only authorized to view the content of the webinar (live and archive) at this Website and are not permitted to screen capture, record and/or download any content displayed in this webinar. You may not make any part of this Website available as part of another web site whether by hyperlink framing on the Internet or otherwise.
By signing up for this webinar/event or podcast, I agree to receive electronic messages, which may include educational events, promotions, product information and service offers, from Dental Learning or any of its course supporters. I understand that I may unsubscribe at any time using the opt-out link provided in every message.
AGD PACE and California State Dental Board Provider Statement
Dental Learning is an approved AGD PACE and California State Dental Board Provider of dental continuing education.
Questions regarding our Conditions of Usage, Privacy Policy, or other policy related material can be directed to our support staff by clicking on the "Support" link or you can email us at: support@dentallearning.net.
