Handpiece Maintenance 101: The Basics

You probably know your practice should be following a number of handpiece maintenance procedures to keep your patients and employees safe, save money on your repairs, and extend the life of your handpieces. What is on your essential list when it comes to handpiece maintenance?

Step one is to avoid corrosive chemicals when cleaning your handpieces and your instruments. “There are plenty of cleaning products on the market, and the key is to only use products designed specifically for handpieces or just soap and water,” says Joe Hayes, CEO of Hayes Handpiece Company, a nationwide provider of handpiece service, sales and training. “Never use bleach or any harsh detergents or disinfectant wipes because these will definitely corrode the handpiece shell and internal components,” says Hayes.

Proper lubrication is also essential to maintenance. High-speed handpieces, low-speed motors and attachments, as well as electric, endo and implant handpieces all require some type of lubrication. Lubrication points for low-speed motors and attachments vary by make and model, so it is essential to refer to manufacturer instructions or receive training.

The sterilization process is equally as important. “We emphasize to always let the handpieces go through the complete drying cycle when sterilizing,” explains Hayes. “It’s not uncommon for an office to pull handpieces out too early because they are operating with too few handpieces or instruments. This risks corrosion to the internal components, which may not be dry even if the handpiece shell appears dry.”

Information provided by Hayes Handpiece, experts in handpiece service and maintenance. To find out how they can help your practice, call 800-228-0521.