This section details appropriate decontamination methods for each of the listed pieces of equipment used in dentistry.

Healthcare staff should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the particular item used and adhere to local procedures and policies.

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Routine decontamination method

Run any dental device connected to the dental air/water system that enters the patient’s mouth, to discharge water and/or air for at least 30 seconds after each patient use¹. If the air/water syringe is permanently attached to the air or water system, cover the air/water syringe with an impervious cover and discard the cover after each patient use. If the syringe becomes contaminated despite the cover, clean and disinfect it before use on the next patient. Disposable three-in-one syringe tips are available. Use single-use disposable tips if possible and discard them after each use. Clean and sterilise any reusable detachable tips².

Additional recommendations

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local procedures and policies.

Routine decontamination method

Change the activated charcoal element of the air filter regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Drain the air receiver daily to remove moisture. Service and maintain the compressor regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Additional recommendations

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local procedures and policies.

Routine decontamination method

After each use, remove any amalgam debris from the carrier. Do not use heat to remove waste amalgam as this may release toxic mercury vapour. Discard waste amalgam into an appropriate hazardous waste container, according to local policy. You must not incinerate amalgam. After removing any debris, clean and sterilise the carrier.

Additional recommendations

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local procedures and policies.

Routine decontamination method

Use single-use endodontic instruments whenever possible and discard them after each use. Never reuse syringes used for endodontic irrigation. Clean and steam sterilise any reusable instruments after each patient use. You will also need to clean and sterilise the entire block, endodontic instrument holder and its contents if they are touched or left exposed during the procedure.

Additional recommendations

Try to plan the use of any instrument attachments in advance, to prevent unnecessary exposure of equipment during a procedure. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local procedures and policies.

Routine decontamination method

After each patient use, run any handpiece that is connected to the dental air/water system, to discharge water and/or air for at least 30 seconds after each patient use¹. Then, clean and sterilise the handpiece according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local policy. For instruments with internal chambers or lumens, the minimum requirement is to use a steam steriliser with a pre-sterilisation vacuum phase. Do not use pouches or sterilisation bags. Mechanical pre-sterilisation cleaning is preferred. If you intend to clean handpieces manually, the British Dental Association (www.bda-dentistry.org.uk) recommends the following method³.

• Leave the bur in place while you clean the outside of the handpiece with detergent and warm water.
• Remove the bur*.
• If recommended by the manufacturer, lubricate the handpiece with pressurised oil until clean oil appears from the chuck.
• Clean any excess oil away.
• Sterilise in an autoclave.
• If recommended by the manufacturer, lubricate the handpiece with pressurised oil and briefly run it before use to clear excess lubricant.
• Use separate canisters of oil for pre- and post-sterilisation lubrication. Alternatively, use separate nozzles.
  
  NB *Disposable stainless steel dental burrs should be discarded after use.

Additional recommendations

Placing handpieces in an instrument stand with a drip pad may help to drain excess lubricant and fluid from the instrument after cleaning. Some handpiece manufacturers may supply you with a handpiece cleaning device to help remove debris from the lumen. Use this according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local procedures and policies.

Routine decontamination method

Use autoclavable detachments. Clean and sterilise them after each patient use. Cover the light curing unit with an impervious barrier during procedures to reduce contamination. After each patient use, discard the cover and then clean and disinfect the unit.

Additional recommendations

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local procedures and policies.

Routine decontamination method

Discard single-use rotary instruments after each use. Clean and steam sterilise any reusable rotary instruments after each patient use. You will need to clean and sterilise the entire block or holder and its contents if they are touched or left exposed during the procedure.

Additional recommendations

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local procedures and policies.

Routine decontamination method

The British Dental Association (www.bda-dentistry.org.uk) recommends using disposable saliva ejectors and aspirator tips. Use disposable single-use equipment where possible and discard it after each use. Clean and sterilise aspirator tip holders between patients. At the end of each session, decontaminate the suction system by flushing it with a non-corrosive, non-foaming detergent as recommended by the manufacturer, and aspirate this via the tubing. If the system has detachable aspirator tubing, remove it and then clean and disinfect the tubing by immersing and flushing it in a suitable disinfectant, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most suction systems discharge directly into a waste outlet. If you need to empty the waste from mobile and older equipment, wear appropriate personal protective clothing and take care to avoid splashing according to local policy. Keep suction bottles clean and dry, before and during use. Do not add any disinfectants to the suction bottles. If possible, use disposable suction liners.

Additional recommendations

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local procedures and policies.

Routine decontamination method

Replace filter traps weekly. Discard disposable filter traps after use. Empty, clean and disinfect reusable filter traps. Before changing the suction trap, flush the system through with an appropriate disinfectant. Replace spittoon waste filters between patients.

Additional recommendations

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local procedures and policies.

Routine decontamination method

Water lines should be fitted with antiretraction valves. Install and maintain the valves according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Flush water lines for at least three minutes prior to each session and for a further 30 seconds between each patient. Regularly flush the clean water system with a chlorine releasing agent followed by sterile water, strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local policy.

Additional recommendations

Dental water units must contain an air gap that prevents backflow into the public water system. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local procedures and policies.