High-Speed Dental Handpiece Sterilization – Dubai Clinics

High speed dental handpiece sterilization is an important action before and after using any dental tool because those tools are in direct contact with the patient’s blood residue and saliva.

Hence, it is essential to prioritize this sterilization process to keep patients safe and to ensure well-sterilized dental handpieces.

In this article, we discuss the sterilization of high-speed dental handpieces, tools and materials used, the sterilization process, and the 5 common mistakes in dental handpiece sterilization.

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Why Sterilization of High-Speed Dental Handpieces Matters?

The sterilization process matters because it keeps patients safe, protects healthcare workers, ensures compliance with legal and health standards, and leverages trust between patients and dentists.

1- Keeps patients safe

Dealing with various patients that may hold infectious diseases emphasizes the urge to decontaminate tools and pay super attention.

This process keeps the patient safe from hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and other infections that can lead to lifelong illness or death.

Instruments like the Coxo Dental Pediatric Super Mini Head Handpiece, which are designed for children, must be sterilized carefully due to younger patients’ higher sensitivity to infection.

2- Protect healthcare workers

Preventing cross-infection, which is the transformation of harmful germs from one person to another, is the responsibility of the dentists, which is the key solution to protect the staff, patients, and themselves.

Add to this, dentists expose themselves to the patient’s blood when they deal with sharp tools such as The SOGA-SMART II which  is an advanced cordless dental anesthesia device designed to enhance precision, comfort, and ease of use. 

3- Compliance with legal and health standards

Dubai Health Authority set guidelines and standards for infection control in dental clinics to ensure safety and provide a quality healthcare system in Dubai.

Some of those standards are

1. Dividing the processing area into three areas: a decontamination area for soiled items, a preparation and sterilization area, and a sterilized items area for sterile items
2. Using physical barriers or walls between the three areas to separate sterilized items from decontaminated ones.
3. Using coloring codes to distinguish the clean and dirty tools, and the processing area should be well designed in size and layout.
4. Maintaining good lighting such as LED lighting to avoid accidental injuries, especially when working with sharp tools. 

Order our EVA DENTAL LAMP which is a dental light that ensures bright vision and prevents glare for patients at the same time. with extra features such as choosing the color temperature and the level of illuminance.

4- Leverage trust between patients and dentists

The trust is unnegotiable when it comes to sterilization and ensuring the tools that the dentist uses are clean and well decontaminated.

The dentist can explain how the clinic sterilizes tools and visually follows the safety procedures, such as wearing hand gloves or a face mask, to gain patients’ trust.When patients feel confident that their health and safety are prioritized, they’re more likely to return and recommend the clinic to others.

Read more about: High-Speed Dental Handpieces in Dubai

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What are the cleaning methods for high-speed handpieces?

The cleaning methods for Dubai high speed handpieces are: dry heat sterilization that is used for heat resistant germs, Autoclaving at 120 °C which is the most common used method, Chemical Vapor Sterilization (Chemiclave), and Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma (For Heat-Sensitive Handpieces)

1- Dry Heat Sterilization

The hot air or dry heat sterilization method uses high temperatures, which can reach 160°C (320°F) or higher, to kill spores and germs without using water or steam, and this method is suitable for heatproof materials such as stainless steel instruments (forceps, scalpels).

It’s characterized by its resistance to corrosion since the sterilization process does not contain water, which reduces the corrosion of metal instruments.

Moreover, the ability of the dry heat to reach all the handpiece’s external and internal surfaces ensures complete sterilization even for complex designs like dental scalers, which are an essential tool to remove tartar and plaque.

Also, the dry heat sterilization process does not produce toxic waste or harmful emissions like the chemical sterilization, which produces toxic waste like the hydrogen peroxide, which makes it eco-friendly compared to other methods.

Despite these features, it is time-consuming and requires a longer time compared with steam sterilization, for example. Also, its limited applicability makes it hard to be used with all the materials, and that is due to the inability of materials to withstand high temperatures.

2- Autoclaving at 120 °C (248 °F)

It is a sterilizing method that uses temperature, pressure and time to kill even the most heat resistant spores. It operates at 120 °C and 15 to 30 PSI (pounds per square inch) and it takes 15 to 60 minutes to sterilize the materials. It uses 134°C and 30 PSI for high resistant items

When the steam is released into the autoclave, it condenses on the surface of the materials being sterilized and transfers the heat to the objects. 

The heat penetrates deep into the objects to reach the sterilization point, which ensures that all the microorganisms and spores are destroyed. The autoclaving, or moist heat sterilization, is the most commonly used way to sterilize dental items.

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3- Chemical Vapor Sterilization (Chemiclave)

Chemiclaves is a sterilization method that does not use water or moisture but uses a combination of formaldehyde vapor, alcohol, and heat to sterilize dental handpieces and instruments.

It takes between 20 and 30 minutes to sterilize the materials, depending on the model of the machine.

Its advantage is that it saves time with only 30 minutes compared to other methods (dry heat sterilization, autoclaving, and H₂O₂ sterilization). Also, it is good for old handpieces and carbon steel instruments because it is moisture-free and kills all the germs and microorganisms effectively.

4- H₂O₂ Sterilization (For Heat-Sensitive Handpieces)

Unlike dry heat sterilization, autoclaving and chemiclaving, hydrogen peroxide plasma uses low temperature to sterilize items. 

is a low-temperature, moisture-free method ideal for heat-sensitive dental handpieces (especially electric or fiber-optic models).

It uses hydrogen peroxide vapor and plasma to sterilize without damaging delicate components.

It takes 28 to 75 minutes to sterilize items, which takes more time compared to the previous methods (dry heat sterilization, autoclaving, and chemiclaving). 

The sterilizing temperature is between 45°C and 50°C (113°F and 122°F), which is the lowest among the other methods, and it is suitable for plastics and electronics and ensures no heat damage.

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A step-by-step guide to High-Speed Dental Handpiece Sterilization

To sterilize high-speed dental handpieces in Dubai clinics, clean the handpiece immediately after use in warm water and a towel, then lubricate the handpiece using a suitable conditioner, and then place the handpiece into the autoclave and choose the time and temperature. 

After finishing the dry stage in the autoclave, wait for the handpiece to cool, then package it in a clean and dry place.

1- immediate cleaning after use

It is important to clean the handpiece after using it to remove gross debris such as blood residues and saliva while protecting internal components.

The required materials for exterior cleaning are warm water, a clean lint-free towel, and a soft nylon brush.

Materials Needed:

• Warm water, whose temperature range is between 30°C and 40°C.
• Clean lint-free towel
• Soft nylon brush (optional)

To clean the high-speed dental handpiece, 

Wipe the entire handpiece surface with a damp towel. For stubborn debris: Gently scrub with a soft brush. During the cleaning process, avoid submerging the handpiece in water.

Cleaning the internal parts, such as the turbine and bearings of the handpiece is important to maintain open air/water channels during cleaning.

2- conditioning and lubricating the handpiece

Lubricating the handpiece is essential to save the interior surface and interior parts such as the turbine. Hence, here is a step by step guide on how to lubricate a handpiece using the right conditioner (lubricant)

To do this step, install a standard-length bur and be sure to use the correct conditioning nozzle for your type of handpiece. Swivel handpieces utilize the swivel nozzle, and standard handpieces utilize the red straws. 

After using the right nozzle, insert the straw into the smaller of the larger openings at the base. 

Recess the straw about 2 inches into the handpiece. Spray the conditioner for one to two seconds until it is visible around the bird.

Conditioning Procedure Step-by-Step:

• Insert nozzle 2″ (5cm) into handpiece base port
• Depress spray can for 1-2 seconds
• Visual confirmation: Lubricant visible around bur head
• Run handpiece for 10-15 seconds to distribute lubricant

• Use a towel to wipe the residual conditioner off of the head in the base of the handpiece. Slightly slide your coupler down to expose your lamp module.
• Verify that it is properly seated.
• Seat your handpiece onto your tubing. 
• Slide your coupler forward and properly secure your high speed handpiece to your tubing. 
• Without water and over a towel to collect the residual conditioning solution, run your handpiece for 45 to 60 seconds.
• Utilizing a towel and verifying that the bird has fully stopped, wipe the head of the handpiece to remove the residual conditidust oner that was expelled. 
• After conditioning, remove the bird and dispose of, detach the handpiece from your dental unit. 
• Wipe the end of the handpiece with a towel.

3- packaging for sterilization

Before sterilizing handpieces or dental tools in general, it is important to put it inside a transparent dental pouch to keep them sterilized and to protect them from external pollution like dust.

Also, the dental pouch has a color-changing strip that tells when the sterilization process is over and a transparent cover to be able to choose the wanted tools easily.

Here is a step by step guide for packaging

1. before autoclaving tools, put them in a dental pouch. It is better to put one handpiece in one pouch, and for smaller tools, you can put from 2 to 5 pieces in one pouch.
2. make sure to leave a 2-inch (2.5 cm) space between each tool.
3. after putting the tools inside the pouch, put the pouches inside the autoclave.
4. leave a space between each pouch and do not place them too close from each other; the best practice is to leave 1.5 or 2 inch (2-2.5 cm) between each pouch
5. The color-changing strip, which is a chemical indicator, changes its color from green to brown when exposed to heat, and that helps the technician to distinguish processed from unprocessed items.
6. after finishing the sterilization process, wait for the tools to cool before using them.

Best practice is to have three handpieces available at your clinic; that allows you to have one in use on the dental unit, one ready for your next procedure, and one prepared to go into the autoclave. 

This will allow for minimal downtime and uninterrupted dental procedures

Also read about: Contra-Angle Handpieces: Enhancing Precision in Dental Procedures

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5 Common Mistakes in Dental Handpiece Sterilization

Technicians can make unintentional mistakes while cleaning the tools or sterilizing them, such as failing to flush the tool immediately after use, using generic lubricants, sterilizing without installing the bur, using wrong autoclave settings, or ignoring turbine maintenance.

1- Failing to Flush Immediately After Use

High-speed handpieces suck in blood, saliva, tooth debris, and biofilm during procedures. If not flushed promptly, these contaminants Sterilization Failure to remove baked-on organic matter protects microbes from steam or heat, which leads to spore survival risk.

Also, not properly sterilizing the handpiece can lead to corrosion that leads to premature bearing failure due to the saliva proteins that corrode metal components.

2- Using Generic Lubricants

High-speed handpieces operate at 300,000-500,000 RPM, requiring precision lubrication because lubricant (which is a thin layer applied between material surfaces that are in direct contact with each other ) lessens the friction between the handpiece part and protects it from corrosion.

Using the lubricant reduces maintenance costs and protects the handpiece from malfunctions. Also, the handpiece works much better and operates reliably when using a high quality lubricant, and for this reason generic oils (WD-40, 3-in-1 oil, etc.) cause catastrophic damage because it does not reduce the friction and heat that lead the handpiece to malfunction and corrosion

For example:

 Too thick oil Carbonizes in autoclave, leads to Clogging turbines

3- wrong packaging in dental pushes

It is important to choose the right pouch size before starting the packaging process and follow the instructions step by step.

Here is a step by step guide on how to package dental tools

1. select the appropriate sized pouch for the dental tools.
2. check if there is an internal steam chemical indicator strip If there is no internal indicator, you can label one manually and slip it inside the pouch.
3. Make sure to write the date and the operator’s initials (the first letter of the operator’s name and surname) to talk to them if there are any questions about the packaging.  That information should also be on the paper side of the pouch using a pencil or a proof marker because they withstand steam and moisture.
4. Chemical indicators tell you if the sterilizer reached the appropriate temperature.  They do not guarantee sterility; only biological indicators can guarantee sterility. 
5. to open the pouch, move your thumb and index finger in opposite directions, and that will open up the plastic side of the pouch, which is already an open end, so you do not need to use a sharp instrument, only your fingers.
6. carefully insert the dental tools inside and do not shake the pouch strongly because if there are sharp tools it will ruin and rupture the pouch, and also it may hurt the technician.
7. seal the pouch properly by peeling the sticky part on the upper side of the paper pouch  and fold it properly at the perforated line

The FOMOS SEALING MACHINE is a high-quality dental sealing machine designed for efficient and reliable sealing of sterilization pouches.

This dental sealing  machine is perfect for dental professionals seeking precision and reliability in their sterilization processes.

4- Wrong Autoclave Settings

High-speed handpieces require precision sterilization parameters—incorrect settings cause preventable damages. 

For example, 

Putting 121°C instead of 134°C can cause insufficient heat, which means spores will keep existing.

Setting the dry time to less than 30 minutes keeps the moisture inside, and that causes rust bearing.

FOMOS CLASS B AUTOCLAVE 22L  is a one-of-a-kind sterilization device made to fulfill the stringent demands of medical and dental practices. It adheres to the European Class B standard, ensuring comprehensive sterilization of instruments, even those with intricate structures and complicated components.

5- Ignoring the handpiece Turbine Maintenance

High-speed handpiece turbines (the turbine is the spinning part of the handpiece) operate at 400,000+ RPM, which is equivalent to a jet engine at 1/10th scale. 

Neglecting maintenance leads to catastrophic and expensive failures, and it is considered to be the silent killer of performance.

for example

Keeping airlines (airlines are the part that delivers air from the dental chair) dirty and neglect them causes fractured turbine blades.

Keeping the dental handpiece airlines dirty causes an oil shortage, which leads to seizing the metal due to heat and friction,

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Conclusion

As you can see from above, there are not many steps that you can cut out during the sterilization process. How do you prepare a high-speed handpiece for sterilization? Pre-sterilization is all about lubrication using an acceptable form of handpiece lubricant. Then throw those handpieces into the autoclave and let it do the magic!

Finally, let the handpieces fully dry and reach room temperature before using them.

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Best high speed dental handpiece to use

1- COXO Dental Pediatric Children Handpiece 

Ensure a comfortable and precise dental experience for young patients with the COXO Pediatric Handpiece. 

Designed with a super mini head, it provides excellent visibility, control, and comfort, making it ideal for children’s dental treatments.

2- KAVO Handpiece-SURGmatic S201 XL Pro with light

The KaVo SURGmatic S201 XL Pro is a high speed surgical handpiece designed for implantology and other dental surgeries.

This Dental Equipment features an optimized clamping system, 25,000 LUX illumination, and both internal and external cooling for precise and efficient performance.

3- KAVO Handpiece-MASTERtorque Mini LUX M8700L

The KaVo MASTERtorque Mini LUX M8700 L is a high speed handpiece designed for precision and efficiency in dental procedures.

This Dental handpiece is designed to provide dental professionals with the power, precision, and reliability needed for high-quality dental care.

4- KAVO Handpiece-SMARTtorque Mini LUX S615 L

The KaVo SMARTtorque Mini LUX S615 L is a high speed dental handpiece designed for precision and efficiency

This Dental handpiece is part of KaVo’s SMARTtorque series, known for combining quality and affordability, making it a reliable choice for dental professionals.

FQAs:

1- What is the best method of sterilization for handpieces?

The best method for dental handpiece sterilization is steam autoclaving. It uses high-pressure steam to penetrate internal components.

2- Which method is not recommended for sterilizing handpieces?

Chemical-based solutions are not recommended for cleaning or your dental handpiece sterilization process.

3- Can the handpiece be autoclaved?

Yes, dental handpieces can be autoclaved. The standard autoclave procedure typically involves 121°C for 15–30 minutes, depending on manufacturer guidelines.

4- How to maintain a high-speed handpiece?

To maintain a high-speed handpiece, it should be lubricated before autoclaving, and the manufacturer’s guidelines for lubrication and sterilization should always be followed to avoid any type of damage.