Mark Beckwith outlines a step-by-step guide to the manual and automated process for the cleaning, lubrication and sterilisation of handpieces.

Dental handpieces are the workhorses of every dental practice. However, they remain one of the most difficult instruments to clean, disinfect and sterilise, and require meticulous care to perform efficiently.

Reaching the hidden internal surfaces and hollow channels (lumens) of a handpiece makes decontamination a challenge. Without internal cleaning, any protein residues such as blood left inside a handpiece can ‘bake’ onto internal surfaces during sterilisation, acting as a barrier to steam penetration.

To maintain precision handpieces and to aid compliance, NSK has a series of care and maintenance videos and an instruction leaflet, providing a step-by-step guide to the cleaning, lubrication and sterilisation of NSK handpieces in accordance with IOS/EN 17665 and HTM 01-05 (March 2013).

Covering both manual and automated processes, the steps are outlined below.

Preparation

Before cleaning, rotary instruments should be removed from the tubing and the bur detached from the chuck. Instruments should be transferred to a dedicated decontamination area and organic contaminants removed with a paper wipe. Do not submerge handpieces in any solution or use a pre-cleaning foam.

Cleaning

Automatic cleaning, disinfection and lubrication

NSK handpieces carry a symbol to indicate if they can be cleaned in a washer disinfector. It’s vital that handpieces are placed in the correct adaptors and that the manufacturer’s instructions are followed at all times.

An alternative option for effective cleaning and disinfection of both external, and the hidden internal surfaces and lumens of handpieces, is the NSK iCare+ dedicated handpiece cleaner, disinfector and lubricator. Using proven detergents and disinfection solutions, this automatic system removes dirt and debris from internal mechanisms and delivers a precise amount of lubricant to all parts in preparation for subsequent sterilisation.

Manual cleaning and disinfection

The handpiece’s external surfaces can be cleaned under cold running water (higher than 38°C) with a soft to medium bristle brush for at least 15 seconds. Then disinfect externally using quick-acting wipes (e.g. Alpro’s Minuten Wipes), avoiding the use of any sprays. Any residue should be rinsed off in a separate sink under potable cold running water.

Using the correct adaptor for the respective handpiece and following the manufacturer’s instructions, disinfect internally using Alpro WL-Clean/WL-Cid and finish by using Wl-DRY or WL-Blow, an essential step when using an internal disinfectant.

Once the cleaning process is complete, inspect the handpiece for residual contamination under a magnifying lamp and repeat the manual process if necessary. The drying procedure is normally part of the cleaning programme of a washer disinfector. Alternatively, the handpiece can be dried manually using a tissue or paper towel.

Lubrication

Manual lubrication using NSK Pana Spray Plus

Select the correct nozzle for the rotary instrument. Shake the spray can well, and keeping the can upright on a flat surface, insert the nozzle into the instrument. Always lubricate straight handpieces with the chuck closed and the blanking piece inserted.

Holding a clean tissue over the head end, spray the instrument for two to three seconds. Check the tissue for debris and if the oil is not clear repeat the process until the oil runs clear. Drain the instrument of any excess lubricant by standing it in an upright (head up) position.

Automatic cleaning and lubrication using NSK iCare

An automated system such as the NSK iCare takes the guesswork out of lubrication and speeds up the process, dispensing the exact amount of lubricant for up to four handpieces at a time.

Sterilisation

Prior to sterilisation pouch instruments in accordance with current applicable standards/legislation and seal. For B-type autoclaves use packaging materials that conform to BS EN ISO 11607-1, or for S-type autoclaves, package in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If using an N-type (non-vacuum) autoclave, pouch after sterilisation.

Instruments should be sterilised in an autoclave at a temperature not exceeding 138°C in accordance with current applicable standards. Because the sterilisation of hollow or lumened instruments, such as handpieces, can only be achieved if they are cleaned and lubricated effectively, NSK recommends that a vacuum autoclave is used.

Storage

Instruments should be removed from the autoclave as soon as the cycle is complete. Handpieces must be dry before they are stored and should ideally be kept in an upright (head up) position in a place where they are protected from dust, dirt and microorganisms.

Always comply with the expiry dates of sterilised items in accordance with current applicable standards/legislation.

Get your free download

The NSK care and maintenance videos and instruction leaflet are designed to make every stage of the reprocessing of rotary instruments safer, measured and reproducible.

For the benefit of decon leads, dental nurses and the whole dental team the video and leaflet are available to download free at https://mynsk.co.uk/care-maintenance/

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