Keep it SMART

Handpieces are one of the most used and valuable tools in the dental surgery. However, they are also routinely contaminated with saliva, blood and biological residues. This makes any handpiece a potential transmission risk of a host of bacterial and viral infections unless they are decontaminated and maintained with suitable care after every use.

Possibly one the most notable consequences of the pandemic has been that people are now more alert to the need for infection control than ever before. This is positive news as it means a far greater awareness of disease transmission and the need to find ways to make dental treatment safer for patients and staff alike. The most significant way to achieve this is to look at the necessary steps in how best to clean, lubricate and sterilise hollow instruments and handpieces and by using the right choice of autoclave, achieve effective sterilisation.