The SMART way to sterilise handpieces – online CPD

The SMART way to sterilise handpieces

Decontamination Consultant Mark Beckwith explains the SMART way to clean valuable, precision-engineered instruments to maintain peak performance and maximise their lifespan.

Aim:
To improve the dental team’s knowledge with regard to sterilisation of handpieces and the pivotal role played by the right choice of autoclave.

Learning objectives:
On completing this Enhanced CPD article, the reader will have an understanding of:

• The handpiece sterilisation process and how it can break the chain of potential cross-contamination between patients.
• Autoclave cycle types and guidance
• The NSK SMART³ handpiece decontamination protocol
• Why it is important to work with a handpiece manufacturer who will provide support to their customers.

Learning Content:
The reader will learn how best to select an autoclave for hollow instruments / handpieces and the necessary steps to take to achieve sterilisation.

Development Outcome: C

Worth 0.5 hour of verifiable eCPD

Gaining verifiable CPD is an essential component of a dental professional’s life-long learning and as a company we are committed to the provision of relevant education. As part of this commitment we publish regular online CPD articles. Each article is followed by a series of multiple-choice questions that should be answered online, after which respondents will receive immediate feedback as to whether answers are correct or given the opportunity to re-answer if necessary.

On completion you will be able to download a PDF certificate, which can be used as evidence of CPD hours.