When you run your own dental practice, you know that the handpieces and tools used by your staff are essential to many common tasks at your clinic. Proper maintenance of these handpieces is vital for reducing downtime during patient visits and preventing costly replacements. Becoming educated on ways you and your staff can maintain the tools at your dental clinic is a great way to improve your operation overall.
- Clean and Sterilize Properly
Dental handpieces can be cleaned using a damp cloth to remove any dust or other debris. If more thorough cleaning is necessary, you can brush away at the handpiece under running water and flush water through the internal water line. When the tool is clean, it is important to sterilize it following the specific manufacturer’s instructions.
- Lubricate Regularly
Lubricating a dental handpiece is helpful for preventing degradation and extending the lifespan of the parts within the instrument. It is only necessary to apply a few drops of lubricant. The handpiece should be run until the lubricant has been expelled from the air hole and bearings. It should be noted that some handpieces are lube-free, and should be maintained with a dedicated handpiece cleaner instead.
- Invest in Quality Replacement Parts
It will eventually be necessary to replace handpiece parts and bearings. You can reduce replacement costs by investing in premium dental hand piece parts that may last significantly longer than cheaper or less durable alternatives. Using a more high-quality bearing in your dental handpieces may also lead to more reliable service and better patient satisfaction.
Proper maintenance of your dental handpieces comes down to observing best practices and following procedures meticulously. When the staff at your dental practice takes proper care of the equipment they use, operations are likely to run smoother and costs may be reduced drastically in the long run.
