Which characteristic is true for handpieces used in dental procedures?

Handpieces used in dental procedures are essential tools that require stringent infection control measures to ensure patient safety. The correct characteristic of handpieces is that they must be heat sterilized after each use. This process is crucial because dental handpieces come into direct contact with blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids during procedures, which can lead to the transmission of pathogens if not properly sterilized.

Heat sterilization effectively eliminates any microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making the use of these handpieces safe for subsequent patients. The protocol of sterilization aligns with best practices in infection control and is a requirement set by various health organizations to maintain safety standards in dental settings.

The other characteristics do not accurately apply to standard dental handpieces used in practice. They are not designed to be disposable; instead, they are often durable and intended for repeated use after proper sterilization. Although some single-use handpieces exist, the majority used in dental settings are not designed for single-patient use and require cleaning and sterilization. Not cleaning handpieces would violate infection control guidelines and pose risks to patient safety.