Heat Sterilization of Dental Handpieces

Heat Sterilization of Dental Handpieces

FDA Medical Bulletin - March 1993
Food and Drug Administration

FDA recommends that reusable dental drill handpieces and related instruments (such as air or water syringes and ultrasonic scalers) be heat-sterilized between patients to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

If a handpiece cannot withstand heat sterilization, it should be retrofitted to increase heat tolerance and then sterilized. If this can't be done, the handpiece should no longer be used. Chemical disinfection is not recommended.

Although no documented cases of disease transmission have been associated with contaminated dental handpieces,1 the American Dental Association also recommends sterilization of these instruments between patients. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends that dental handpieces be autoclaved or replaced if they are not currently heat-stable.2

FDA sent a letter to health professionals on Sept. 28, 1992, with these recommendations.

References

1. American Dental Association: Infection Control Recommendations for the Dental Office and the Dental Laboratory. Journal of the American Dental Association, Supplement, August 1991.

2. CDC Fact Sheet: HIV Transmission in Dental Settings. May 15, 1992.

Keywords: Universal precautions. Sterilization. Dental care.
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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeard in 1993. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1993. AEGIS.