handpiece safety

Question 1

backcap

Answer 1

ensure cannot rotate

Question 2

coupling

Answer 2

apply tension to ensure device secured

Question 3

bur insertion

Answer 3

pull to ensure fully engaged

Question 4

spin

Answer 4

check bur spins freely - roll on hand

should be no frictional resistance

Question 5

bur wobble

Answer 5

check bur lateral movement

should have a slight amount of lateral movement

Question 6

final check

Answer 6

activate device for 5-10 secs to check sound

should be consistent pitch and volume

also look at the bur to check if it looks stationary (shouldn’t be blurry)

Question 7

if in doubt device fails any of these checks

Answer 7

notify dental nurse to get it checked

do not use on pt

Question 8

check pack

Answer 8

expiration date of sterilisation

obvious fault s - dents, damaged to surface of optical rod etc

Question 9

6 steps for check

Answer 9

3 safe to use
3 fit for use

• Pinch outer rim of device head and apply rotation force, if backcap can be rotated (loose) send for repair
• Pull bur to ensure fully engaged – apply significant tension
• Fit device accessory in coupling – apply tension to ensure device secured
• Check bur spins freely – frictional resistance between components may cause overheating during use (bearings need replacing)
• Check burs lateral movement - too much deflection will cause bur to ‘wobble’ when activated, compromising control and cutting performance (bearings need replacing)
• Check performance – run device for 5 sec and ensure it sounds right, and bur doesn’t wobble