The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining Your Veterinary Dental Unit

Veterinary dental equipment is one of the most frequently used – and often most overlooked – tools in a veterinary practice. A well-maintained dental unit not only delivers better patient care but also protects your investment and reduces costly downtime.

At Vetamac, we provide expert service and support for veterinary clinics across the U.S., including maintenance and repairs on Highdent veterinary dental equipment. Whether you’re using your unit daily or a few times a week, this guide will help ensure your equipment remains reliable, safe, and efficient.

Why Regular Dental Unit Maintenance Is Essential

Your veterinary dental unit handles high-speed rotations, pressurized air, and water – making it vulnerable to wear and contamination over time. Without regular maintenance, you risk:

• Handpiece failure
• Waterline blockages
• Air pressure imbalances
• Internal corrosion
• Decreased overall performance

By following a consistent cleaning and maintenance routine, you can extend the life of your dental unit and minimize service calls.

Daily Maintenance Checklist

Keeping your equipment in top shape starts with daily habits. Here’s what you should do after every procedure:

1. Flush the Water Lines

Flush with clean water for 30 – 60 seconds to remove debris and prevent biofilm buildup.

2. Lubricate Handpieces

High-speed handpiece

1. Drops of oil here; daily.
2. Drops of oil here; before and after
   autoclaving cycle (or according to manufacture).
   Lubricate the high-speed handpieces daily on the smaller of the two large holes.
3. Oil after every 15 minutes of use.
4. Do not leave levers open.
5. Daily lubricate chuck.

Low-speed handpiece

1. Drops of oil at these places – each use.
2. The low-speed handpiece can be broken down into three parts. Disassemble the three parts;
3. Lubricate both ends of the contra-angle.
4. Lubricate the prophy angle.
5. Re-assemble the handpiece.

For both high-speed and low-speed
handpieces lubrication

If expelled oil is coloured, repeat the lubrication process until expelled oil is clear.

3. Wipe down external surfaces

Use a soft cloth with a veterinary-approved disinfectant. Avoid spraying directly onto the unit.

2. Drain air and check oil level

Unplug your compressor at the end of the day and drain all pressure by loosening the hand-tight nut* below the air reservoir . This will also eliminate condensation and prolong the life of the reservoir . DON’T FORGET to tighten the hand-tight nut before starting your day .

*Don’t unscrew completely to prevent the parts from falling

If the oil level is less than half, fill the reservoir slowly by pouring a small quantity of oil at a time . Wait 5 minutes and check the level . Do not fill more than half. Use only compressor oil to fill.

Listen for unusual compressor start-ups . If the compressor starts occasionally when not being used, it is a sign that there is a leak in the system . If this situation is frequent contact the manufacturer for assistance

Tips to Optimize the Lifespan
of High-Speed and Low-Speed Handpieces

• Always remove burs and attachments before sterilization.
• Ensure lever-operated chucks are closed before autoclaving.
• Never cool a hot handpiece under cold water or refrigerate it.
• Allow the autoclave drying cycle to finish completely before removing the handpiece.
• Only operate the handpiece once it is completely dry and cooled.
• Have autoclaves regularly serviced by the manufacturer.
• Avoid forcing or “cheating” the bur—this can damage the chuck.
• Never use pliers to remove burs.
• Use a proper oil adaptor when applying lubrication.
• Maintain air pressure between 30–40 psi (check your unit’s specifications).

Weekly Maintenance Recommendations

• Set aside time each week for a more thorough inspection:
• Inspect handpiece couplers and o-rings for signs of wear or debris.
• Clean or replace air intake filters if needed.
• Check for water leaks or air hissing sounds.
• Run a line cleaner or enzymatic solution through the water lines if recommended by the manufacturer.

Annual Maintenance

A detailed inspection by a certified technician is recommended at least once a year. Annual preventive maintenance typically includes:

• Replacement of filter elements
• Oil change for the compressor
• Leak detection and pressure checks
• Full performance analysis and safety evaluation

Contact your certified Vetamac technician to schedule your Highdent dental unit yearly service.

When to Call a Professional

Even with regular care, some components require certified service:

• Low suction or irregular air pressure
• Handpieces that won’t rotate properly
• Persistent water leaks or electrical issues
• Unusual noise or vibration

At Vetamac, our experienced technicians provide on-site service across 30 states and can diagnose and repair most issues quickly. We also offer preventive maintenance programs tailored to your clinic’s schedule and equipment.

Let Vetamac Be Your Dental Equipment Partner

With over 30 years of experience in veterinary equipment service, Vetamac is your trusted partner for dental unit maintenance, anesthesia systems, oxygen concentrators, and more. We’re committed to helping clinics deliver safe, efficient care – one service call at a time.

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