Patient Safety

Question 1

What are the 6 steps that should be carried out prior to handpiece use?

Answer 1

• Ensure the backcap cannot rotate
• Pull the bur to ensure it is fully engaged
• Fit handpiece to coupling and apply tension to ensure device is secured
• Check the bur spins freely
• Check burs lateral movement (shouldn’t be too much deflection)
• Check performance; run for 5 seconds to ensure it sounds right and bur doesn’t wobble