Servicing & Repairs FAQs

You might have known our services under those titles, but we’ve since changed our name to DD Repairs. Don’t worry, we’re as committed and capable of repairing your handpieces as ever.

Practices across the UK have trusted our expert technicians to repair and service their handpieces for over 75 years collectively. In that time our dedication to quality service and cutting-edge expertise has not faltered. Our DD technicians have been approved by leading handpiece and small equipment manufacturers, from W&H and Kavo, to Bien Air and NSK plus many more. This high level of accreditation and manufacturer training means that your equipment is safe in DD’s hands and will be returned at a standard, meeting or exceeding manufacturer quality.  

DD Repairs partners with manufacturers to secure original parts at competitive prices, which offer longevity, improved performance, compliance, and extended warranties. All repairs come with a 3-to-12-month warranty dependent on your chosen repair service. If your handpiece fails whilst under warranty, just send it back with its original invoice for repair. All handpieces will be dispatched via our tracked next day courier providing peace-of-mind service delivery.

Simply print a work order form here and a freepost label here. Put your handpiece in a padded envelope or polybag mailer with the completed work order form; attach the freepost label to the package and post to us. Please ensure that the handpiece (and any accompanying burs/tools) are cleaned, disinfected and sterilised before packaging. Any handpieces being sent with stuck/seized burs, must be wrapped to ensure they do not pierce the mailing bag for posting and handling safety. 

Our freepost label is first class; however, we do recommend any posted equipment is ‘signed for’ to provide insurance for your equipment. 

Alternatively, you can fill in the enquiry form at the bottom of the Servicing & Repairs page or give us a call on 01253 600090. We will provide you with free postal envelopes to send us your handpiece.  

Please fill in the work order form (you can print this here) with your name, practice name, address and contact details. Make sure to include your DD account number if possible.    

We also ask that you provide as much information regarding the equipment being repaired as you can. Essential information includes make, model, serial number, warranty information and a detailed description of its faults. Where possible, preauthorised repair limits allow us to complete repairs much quicker. If the repair falls outside of the pre-authorised limit or is deemed beyond economic repair, our technician will contact you directly to discuss the options.  

Once your equipment arrives our technicians will carry out their full assessment and quote. This quote will cover which parts are required for the repair. We will then reach out for your approval before going ahead with any repairs (if not already pre-approved).

Once our quote has been accepted, we work on a 24-hour turnaround for turbines, 48 hours for slow speed handpieces and 7 working days for small equipment. However, this turnaround time may change if we need to order specific parts, or the equipment needs to be assessed by the manufacturer. To ensure quick turnaround, include your pre-approved repair limit and we will process upon receipt to save timely call backs or emails to gain authorisation for your repair.

We offer free quotes on all repairs, but prices may vary according to the parts required in terms of device, manufacturer, and any additional customer specific needs. 

Simply call us on 01253 600090, and we will arrange a collection with our couriers.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1992 states that equipment must be serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations. In addition, Healthcare regulation along with infection control related documents state that all decontamination equipment be serviced and maintained. 

Records of servicing, inspection and user validation checks must be kept and audited, and all members of staff must be fully trained in the safe operation of equipment prior to use. 

DD offer several service contracts for both vacuum and non-vacuum autoclaves designed to meet your individual practice requirements.

The majority of manufacturers recommend a service every 12 months, however some are as often as once a quarter.

Vacuum & Non-Vacuum: 

Level 1 - Includes annual service, service kit, calibration & function test. 

Level 2 - Includes all aspects of level 1 package plus 2 x callouts per annum. 

Level 3 - Includes all aspects of level 1 plus 3 x callouts and parts allowance per annum 

Pricing available on request phone 01376 391100.

• Check serial number 

• Check for signs of steam/water leaks 

• Drain & clean reservoir, check reservoir water level sensor 

• Remove and clean tray carrier, water level sensor and under the element 

• Replace washers and water level sensor if necessary 

• Clean the unit both internally and externally including stripping and cleaning the filter (fitted into the chamber) and door plate 

• Replace the door seal and lightly lubricate 

• Check the door micro switch operation and adjust if required 

• Check door rack, wedges and clamps as well as electrical connections for wear 

• Refill reservoir with distilled/deionised water 

• Inspect all welds for signs of corrosion as well as all joints and seals for leaks 

• Remove the safety relief valve, noting the safety relief valve marked value, then testing the pressure of the safety relief valve.  

• Run test cycle 134˚C without drying (target temperature 135.5˚C + 1˚C) 

• Thermocouple Test 

• Verify the temperature gauge and pressure gauge is working correctly 

• Verify pressure door lock and electrical door bolt operation 

Healthcare regulation along with infection control related documents state that all decontamination equipment be validated and revalidated in accordance with Manufacturer’s instructions. 

Records of validation/revalidation and user validation checks must be kept and audited, and all members of staff must be fully trained in the safe operation of equipment prior to use.

The majority of manufacturers recommend you have an annual revalidation. 

Time can vary depending on the make and model and type of decontamination equipment - Please call for further information.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1992 states that equipment must be serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations. In addition, Healthcare regulation along with infection control related documents state that all equipment be serviced and maintained. 

Records of servicing, inspection and user validation checks must be kept and audited, and all members of staff must be fully trained in the safe operation of equipment prior to use.

The majority of manufacturers recommend you have an annual service. 

Models vary however, it takes around 4 hours for Steelco and Prestige Models, and around 2 and half hours for Medisafe models. 

• Check and record serial number 

• Check for signs of steam/water leaks 

• Check for limescale contamination and remove as necessary 

• Remove any debris from the sump, dispose of in accordance with the practice policy 

• Follow manufacturers guidelines for servicing requirements, replace parts as required by manufacturer 

• Fit the temperature probe to areas specified by manufacturer and record results 

• Perform and record water quality check, hardness, pressure and temperature 

• Check suitability and expiry date of detergent, replace if necessary 

• Run a test cycle in disinfection mode, monitor and record temperature and time for disinfection phase 

• Remove temperature probe (ensure cover of the test port is replaced) 

• Refit cover and clean the outside of the washer disinfector if necessary 

• Complete all paperwork 

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1992 states that equipment must be serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations. In addition, Healthcare regulation along with infection control related documents state that all equipment be serviced and maintained. 

Records of servicing, inspection and user validation checks must be kept and audited, and all members of staff must be fully trained in the safe operation of equipment prior to use. 

We would recommend you have your compressor serviced in line with manufacturers' guidelines, which is normally annually. 

A compressor service normally takes 45 minutes to an hour. 

The term 'Pressure Vessel' is a general term used by Health and Safety to describe compressors, autoclaves and their associated pipe work and safety devices. 

The safe operation, maintenance and servicing of these units is essential to the efficient running of the practice which in turn will form the basis of compliance to the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000, the Pressure System Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 Pressure Systems (SI No: 445 of 2012)and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1992. 

All autoclaves and compressors must have a Written Scheme of Examination prepared for each vessel by a competent person. Employers must ensure that all work equipment is safe and in good working condition and that each vessel is inspected at regular intervals as specified on the Written Scheme of Examination. A written report must be provided at each inspection detailing the condition of the vessel/s 

Each vessel must be serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations and records of servicing and inspection must be kept in order to demonstrate compliance. 

All members of staff must be fully trained in the operation of autoclaves prior to use.

Each Vessel must be inspected at regular intervals as specified on the written scheme of examination.

It usually takes 45 minutes to inspect a Compressor or Autoclave. 

• Check the area where the vessel is installed for safety 

• Check serial number along with all vessel plate information 

• Thoroughly clean the exterior 

• Inspect all welds for signs of corrosion and check all joints and seals for leaks 

• Remove the safety relief valve and note the safety relief valve marked value 

• Test the pressure of the safety relief valve 

• Run test cycle 134˚C without drying (target temperature 135.5˚C + 1˚C) 

• Thermocouple Test 

• Check for steam/water leaks 

• Verify the temperature and pressure gauge is working correctly 

• Verify pressure door lock  and electrical door bolt operation 

• Carry out an ultrasonic thickness test 

• Check that all safe operating limits are met 

• Check for any air leaks and check correct pressure is reached 

• Check for any PSSR 2000, Regulation 10 issues (any will be immediately notified, and the vessel taken out of use) 

• Check maintenance records 

• Deem the vessel compliant or non-compliant and whether any repairs are required 

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1992 states that equipment must be serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations. In addition, Healthcare regulation along with infection control related documents state that all equipment be serviced and maintained. 

Records of servicing, inspection and user validation checks must be kept and audited, and all members of staff must be fully trained in the safe operation of equipment prior to use. 

The majority of manufacturers recommend you have an annual service. 

It usually takes an hour to service a chair, unless any issues are identified requiring additional repairs. 

• Check and record model and serial number 

• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for servicing requirements, replace parts as required by manufacturer 

• Check for air and water leaks 

• Test air and water outlet pressures in line with manufacturer’s guidelines 

• Check tubing outlets for damage, repair or replace as required 

• Check stability of the treatment centre and repair as necessary 

• Check operation of safety devices and repair as necessary 

• Clean and inspect upholstery and ancillaries, recording any damage/wear and tear 

• Check operation of ancillaries, operating lights, spittoon, suction and drainage 

• Highlight any damage/wear and tear or further action required to principal/practice manager 

The majority of manufacturers recommend you have an annual service. 

It takes around an hour on average to service a Suction Pump. 

• Check & note the serial number 

• Check and remove any collected amalgam waste and dispose of in line with practice policy 

• Ensure that there are no stored fluids and drainage waste 

• Follow manufacturers guidelines for servicing requirements, replace parts as required by manufacturer 

• Check, clean or replace where necessary any filters 

• Test unit for correct operation in line with manufacturers guidelines 

• Check for signs of any leaks 

• Dispose of any used and contaminated parts in line with the practice policy 

• Refit covers as necessary 

• Complete all paperwork 

DD also now offer a service to check and validate the volume of air flow per minute within your suction pump. This will confirm whether your suction pump is operating efficiently, effectively and providing the required high volume of suction to reduce the risk of infection transmission. 

Most manufacturers recommend you have an annual maintenance check. 

For radiological testing, a test should be undertaken at least once every three years for intra-oral, panoramic, panoramic/cephalometric X-ray sets, and where quality assurance test object and accompanying analysis software is available, dental CBCT X-ray sets.  For CBCT X-ray equipment where QA test object and accompanying software is unavailable, and for hand-held dental X-ray sets, annual testing is recommended. 

DD can undertake any the required testing of any of your X-ray equipment. 

Our inspection usually takes 45 minutes for an intra-oral X-ray set (including hand-held X-ray sets) and an hour and a half for a panoramic X-ray set; with a cephalometric attachment some additional time may be required.  For CBCT X-ray equipment, the testing may take up to 4 hours.

• Check serial number of the X-ray tube head, and mark down the operating potential [kV], tube current [mA] and filtration values from the tube head 

• Check the stability of the X-ray mount, checkin for any damage to the X-ray tube head 

• Check the electrical and mechanical safety of the machine and provide an assessment of its condition 

• Check the condition and operation of the X-ray exposure control 

• In the case of an intra-oral X-ray set, check the condition and operation of the counter-balanced arm and fittings 

• In the case of a panoramic/CBCT X-ray set, check the rotational movement of the x-ray tube head and the fittings 

• In the case of a cephalometric X-ray set which uses direct digital imaging, check the scanning motion of the image receptor with the X-ray tube head and, where applicable, the secondary collimator. 

• Check the operation of the dead man switch and/or emergency stops; warning lights and audible signals 

• For the routine performance testing, complete the required number of exposures and record the measurement results (eg patient entrance dose [mGy], operating potential [kV], exposure time, filtration) 

• Undertake appropriate radiation measurements 

• Photograph the X-ray equipment as a record of any concerns noted on your paperwork 

• Highlight any discrepancies to you in relation to the electro-mechanical operation of the X-ray equipment 

• If you have Radiation Protection Consultancy (RPC) contract with DD, the results will be sent to DD's RPA/MPE for review and, for the routine performance testing, a brief formal report will then be issued to the practice.