The practice of disinfection of high-speed handpieces with 70% w/v alcohol: An evaluation.

A high-speed handpiece is used in several dental procedures and the official recommendation for safe decontamination consists of rinsing with water, washing with detergent, mechanical friction, and sterilization; however, many professionals only apply 70% w/v alcohol without also cleaning the tool between patients. We performed an analysis of high-speed handpieces reprocessed only with 70% w/v alcohol and found that the methods used in clinical practice are not safe.