Evaluation of effects of ethylene oxide on dental handpiece sterilization and performance

Objective To study the efficacy of ethylene oxide on dental handpiece sterilization and performance. Methods Dental handpieces cantaminated with organisms were sterilized by ethylene oxide. The bacterial growth was evaluated by culture,and HBsAg was detected using ELISA. The performance of dental handpieces was examined after every twenty times of sterilization. Results No microorganisms were found in any of the tested handpieces after sterilization with ethylene oxide. After 200 test cycles,the speeds of two tested dental handpieces were lower than the standard of 300,000 revolutions per minute(rpm) and higher than 160,000rpm. Conclusion The efficacy of sterilization with ethylene oxide in dental handpieces was reliable,and sterilization with ethylene oxide did not affect the performance of dental handpiece.