Handpiece Sterilization Guidelines Help Create a Safe Practice Environment

Ensuring effective dental handpiece processing is an essential part of today’s infection prevention protocol, yet there is uncertainty in some offices as to the specifics involved in sterilizing these devices. A special, six-page continuing education (CE) article in this issue, “Dental Handpiece Care and Processing,”  provides a comprehensive review of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, and highlights the need to follow manufacturer instructions when cleaning, maintaining and sterilizing each device. Written by Shellie Kolavic Gray, DMD, MPH, an Atlanta-based public health and infection control consultant, and made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Dentsply Sirona Midwest, this CE article will help dental practices ensure compliance with current infection prevention guidelines.

From Decisions in Dentistry. February 2017;3(2):11.