The Importance of Caring for Your Handpiece
Learn the critical steps needed for effective reprocessing and discover a cleaning solution that will protect your handpiece.
Dental handpieces, which range in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars, are a big investment for any dental team. If the handpiece is not performing well, it may slowdown procedures, impact productivity, and injure the patient or the worker. Appropriate reprocessing of handpieces can increase their efficiency and longevity, but the correct steps must be implemented. The first step is the appropriate cleaning of the handpiece. Manufacturer’s instructions for use (MIFUs) should support guidance from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and provide details on how to accomplish this task prior to packaging and sterilization.1,2
Generally, handpieces should be cleaned with a product that will not cause damage if their external surfaces and internal components will be damaged by exposure to the product’s chemicals. Many handpiece and sterilizer MIFUs direct the user to avoid using disinfectant or alcohol for cleaning purposes due to risk of damage and negative impact on the overall sterilization process. If the MIFU suggests using a disinfectant prior to sterilization, the user should contact the manufacturer to see if this step can be eliminated because the handpiece will be sterilized.
RiteWipe™ cleaning wipes provide a safe and effective solution to remove surface contaminants, including blood and bioburden. Water-based and alcohol and chloride free, RiteWipe cleaning wipes use Blue Dot Technology™. These blue dots act as micro-scrubbers and reach into the grooves of most dental handpieces. They efficiently break up and lift contaminants from the surface of the device. This technology works in harmony with a unique surfactant blend to deliver optimum cleaning performance.
The process is simple: for point of use (POU) pre-cleaning in the operatory, hold the wipe so that the Blue Dots face toward the handpiece and scrub back and forth over the entire surface from the bottom to the head. Transport the device to the reprocessing area. In the reprocessing area, wet the handpiece with water and scrub with the RiteWipe cleaning wipe, rotating the handpiece while cleaning to cover all surfaces. Ensure all visible debris is removed and provide a final rinse.3
RiteWipe cleaning wipes are not a disinfectant and do not kill microorganisms. They are designed for POU pre-cleaning at the completion of the dental visit and again in the reprocessing area to clean prior to maintenance protocols. RiteWipe dental handpiece cleaning wipes are the solution to your dental handpiece cleaning problem!
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care.
- Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Recommendations and Reports. (2003) Vol. 52/No. RR-17; Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings — 2003.
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Association for the Advancement of
- Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). (2017). ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017 Comprehensive Guide to
- Steam Sterilization and Sterility Assurance in Health Care Facilities. AAMI.
- RiteWipeTM Manufacturer’s instructions for Use. (2024).
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From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. October/November 2024; 22(6):30.
