title: Handpiece sterilization: is it really necessary?
abstract: Sterilization of air-driven dental handpieces between patients is an integral component of dental instrument sterilization-asepsis protocols. This article explores some technical aspects of handpiece operation and provides suggested protocols for proper sterilization of the instrument.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School, San Antonio, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D003754:Dental High-Speed Equipment; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D013242:Sterilization / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards