Tips for Best Dental Handpiece Maintenance
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The dental handpiece is probably your most used equipment and as such takes the most wear and tear in your office. To properly maintain this vital piece of equipment, you will want to follow some basic tips such as ensuring that it is set up properly and that your technician is using the correct replacement parts.
Read the Instruction Manual
Your first step in routine maintenance for your dental hand piece is reading the manufacturer’s instruction manual for your unit. It is a good idea to use page markers and highlighters to pinpoint important information such as who to call for troubleshooting, recommended settings and operational guidelines.
Follow Pressure and Sterilization Recommendations
Each handpiece make and model will have manufacturer recommendations for pressure settings and sterilization procedures which do not always equate to other brands or models of dental handpieces. If you are not following these recommendations, your equipment could malfunction or could wear out more quickly than expected.
Use OEM Parts and Accessories
Original Equipment Manufacturer parts and accessories can be more expensive than those made by other companies, but they are also designed specifically for the model of dental handpiece that you are using. This means that the fit and function of these items are more precise than those developed or manufactured for a variety of makes and models. Using the wrong end-cap wrench, for example, can lead to unseen damage and more frequent repairs than if you used the wrench supplied by the manufacturer.
Not every dentist or dental office manager is expected to repair and maintain each piece of equipment in the office, but, he or she is expected to know what types of maintenance each one needs. This means thoroughly reading and understanding the instruction manual, ensuring that manufacturer recommendations are being followed and using the right parts and tools for each equipment unit.
