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My question concerns the newer cordless prophy handpieces. Is this a valid method to disinfect the motor or does the motor need to be run through the autoclave to be compliant?

As a matter of policy, Ask OSAP does not review, evaluate, certify, recommend or endorse products. Ask OSAP is also not in the position to provide technical support for specific products. If you have further questions about procedures and specific products such as a cordless dental handpiece, it is recommended that you consult with the manufacturer’s written instruction manual and/or contact the manufacturer of your product directly.

Ask OSAP can provide you with some general information on this topic.

In a 2018 statement, the CDC notes: For handpieces and other intraoral instruments that can be removed from the air and waterlines of dental units, CDC continues to recommend that DHCP follow CDC guidelines to clean and heat sterilize. ¹

This statement also states:

If the manufacturer is not able to provide sufficient information, DHCP can contact FDA’s Office of Compliance at [email protected] or (240) 402-7675 for assistance. ¹

This information can be accessed at:
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/statement-on-reprocessing-dental-handpieces.htm ¹

Additional information available on the CDC website states as follows:

How should dental handpieces that are independent of dental unit air and waterlines be reprocessed between patients?

Handpieces that are independent of dental unit air and waterlines, such as cordless devices, should follow current US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. Use only FDA-cleared devices and follow the validated manufacturer’s instructions for reprocessing (cleaning, lubricating, and/or sterilizing) these devices.

If a dental handpiece cannot be heat sterilized and does not have FDA clearance with validated instructions for reprocessing, do not use that device. For more information, see CDC’s Statement on Reprocessing Dental Handpieces. ²

This information can be accessed at:
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/faqs/dental-handpieces.html ²

Handpieces should be reprocessed in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU). This should include cleaning, lubricating and sterilizing these devices. ^1,2

It is recommended that if you have further questions about a specific handpiece model that you the contact the manufacturer(s) directly for further information about the product IFU, or the FDA if there are further questions.

Resources

(1) US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Statement on Reprocessing Dental Handpieces. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/statement-on-reprocessing-dental-handpieces.htm Accessed on June 14, 2019.

(2) US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dental Handpieces and Other Devices Attached to Air and Waterlines. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/faqs/dental-handpieces.html Accessed on June 14, 2019.

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