Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings—2003
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Slide 83: Dental Handpieces and Other Devices Attached to Air and Waterlines
Slide Text
- Clean and heat sterilize intraoral devices that can be removed from
air and waterlines
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, lubrication, and
sterilization
- Do not use liquid germicides or ethylene oxide
Speaker Notes
Any removable device that is attached to the air or waterlines should be heat sterilized to ensure that internal components have been sterilized.
It is very important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and lubrication. These protocols can ensure the effectiveness of the process and contribute to the life of the device.
Surface disinfection or liquid chemical germicide immersion are not acceptable. In addition, the use of ethylene oxide is not recommended because it cannot reliably penetrate the internal components.
Page last reviewed: September 22, 2009
Page last modified: April 26, 2005
Content source:
Division of Oral Health,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion
