Episode 386: What Dental Assistants Need to Know About Handpiece Maintenance

Seriously, dental assistants, are your handpieces living their BEST life? 🤔 You NEED to hear this! This episode, featuring Mike Etheridge, Senior Manager for Marketing and Channel with KaVo North America, delves into the critical role dental assistants play in ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of dental handpieces. The discussion stresses that proper care goes beyond basic cleaning; it's fundamental to extending the lifespan of these valuable instruments and minimizing costly interruptions to practice workflow. We explore the common challenges dental assistants face, including the importance of understanding the high speeds at which handpieces operate (200,000 to 400,000 RPM, compared to a jet engine's 16,000 RPM) and the detrimental effects of accumulated dirt and debris. The conversation strongly advocates for adopting standardized maintenance protocols and highlights the benefits of automated systems, such as QUATTROcare PLUS and KaVo Care, in achieving consistent and reliable handpiece operation, especially compared to less effective manual hand-spraying techniques. Factors for Optimal Handpiece Operation: 👉🏻 The role of dental assistants is critical in ensuring consistent performance. 👉🏻 Automated systems (like QUATTROcare PLUS) contribute to reliable operation. 👉🏻 KaVo's integrated approach (handpieces and KaVo Care) supports optimal function. 👉🏻 Eliminating dirt and debris is essential for maintaining precision. 👉🏻 Proper lubrication is a key factor in smooth and efficient operation. Connect with Mike: QUATTROcare: https://www.kavo.com/en/products/instruments/maintenance-hygiene/quattrocare-plus KaVo Care Portal: https://www.kavo.com/en-us/services/new-kavo-care-portal —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assistant Podcasts list. Huge thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and supporting the show. Couldn’t have done it without you. Go check it out—we’re listed alongside some amazing shows! 100 Best Dental Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_podcasts/ 4 Best Dental Assistant Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_assistant_podcasts/ —-------------------------------------------- 🎤 I’m Speaking at Accelerate: The Dental Revenue Workshop! Accelerate is where the brightest minds in dental revenue come together — and I’m heading to Nashville to share insights that will challenge, inspire, and help practices grow. 🗓 Date: July 31 - August 1 2025 📍 Location: Nashville, TN 🎟 Grab $150 off your ticket with my code: KevinH If you’re ready to level up your systems, strategy, and revenue, this is the event you don’t want to miss. I’d love to see you there! Let’s make this the most impactful dental event of the year. See you in Music City! 🎶 —-------------------------------------------- Attention Dental Leaders! I'm thrilled to speak at the 2025 AADOM Conference in Round Rock, TX – AADOM's 20th anniversary celebration! Join me for my sessions: ㅤ ➡️ Wednesday, Sept 3 "DPLN Leadership Meeting" - Learn how to maximize publicity for your DPLN ➡️ Saturday, Sept 6 "Simple Steps to Help You Become an Author " - We'll dive into how you can formulate a plan for your best article and how to find your voice as an industry leader. Early bird pricing ends 3/31! Don't wait—secure your spot now and be part of the biggest dental management event of the year! Plus, lock in your stay on-site at the Kalahari Resort before rooms fill up! 📅 September 4-6, 2025 📍 Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, TX Register now at aadomconference.com 🔗