Handpiece Sterilisation — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Autoclave sterilisation after each patient use
Dental handpieces (high-speed, slow-speed, prophy angles) must be heat sterilised (autoclaved) between each patient. This is because handpieces become contaminated with patient material (blood, saliva, debris) and can harbour microorganisms in internal components that surface disinfection cannot reach. Handpieces should be run for 20-30 seconds to flush waterlines after use, then cleaned externally, lubricated (if manufacturer-recommended), packaged, and sterilised in a steam autoclave. This is a universal standard in all Canadian provincial infection control guidelines.
Reference: CDC – Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003; CDA Infection Control Guidelines