Cross contamination control and the dental handpiece.

The issue of heat sterilization of handpieces for every patient every time evokes visions of higher cost, damage to handpiece sheaths and turbines, and increased staff involvement. The introduction of fast turn-around steam autoclaves reduces the number of handpieces required and helps lower costs. The damage can be contained by using high-quality handpieces and by maintaining them properly. Staff involvement time can be reduced through the use of handpiece scrubbers, handpiece flush systems, and simple, adequate maintenance standards. Because of the discovery that biofilms contribute to the microbial contamination of dental unit water lines, the need for a clean water system is apparent because it will further reduce the potential danger of cross contamination.