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I have a question on handpieces. Should we be sterilizing swivels and couplers between patients as well as the handpiece and motor? 

In its 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

Handpieces should 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 and related items that you the contact the product manufacturer directly for further information about the product IFU.

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 May 28, 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 May 28, 2019.