Save the Handpieces
Got a call from a Dr. Smith (name changed to protect the innocent) last week expressing great concern about failing handpieces. Not that we don't get these calls on a regular basis, but this one seemed especially urgent. It seemed a sudden plague had cast it's daunting shadow across his practice, leaving afflicted handpieces in it's path.
We exercise a standard protocol when attempting to solve problems of this sort. Experience has taught us to resist barging in to take control like an EMT at a multi car pile up.
Observation is key. We first suggest that the person responsible for handpiece care and maintenance take us through their procedure. In Dr. Smith's case, the primary responsibility belonged to one of the assistants, while a hygienist stepped in when necessary. This is okay, as long as both fully understand it's importance.
We always attempt to impress upon the doctor that this task be performed by a most trusted colleague, or two if necessary. Many times our first question over the phone is: "Have you had any recent changes in staff"?
Again, in Dr. Smith's case, both employees were capable, motivated, and seemed to have an excellent grasp of what the job entailed.
The problem, in our opinion, was a change in lubricant from dropper type bottle to aerosol spray. The assumption was that using the aerosol spray would preclude the necessity of placing handpiece back on delivery unit to complete the flush process.
We feel that running handpieces at manufacturer's recommended operating pressure for 30 seconds or more is necessary to ensure excess lubricant and debris are expelled prior to placing in the autoclave, even when aerosol type lubricant is used. See Handpiece Protection Plan for details.
In addition to discussing the details of our Common Sense Handpiece Protection Plan with Dr. Smith, we also recommended he consider the purchase of an Automatic Handpiece Purge Unit, in his case the Kavo QuattroCare.