History of Dental Handpieces

Jun 27,2025

Dental handpieces have reached a high level of development today. But how did they evolve? In the late 18th century, the advent of hand-cranked dental drills marked a significant advancement in dental handpieces. In 1864, George Fellows Harrington invented a spring-driven drill, named Erado. Despite its considerable noise, its practicality and effectiveness were recognized. In 1868, Dr. George F. Green invented a foot-powered drill, further improving the efficiency of dental treatment. In 1871, James B. Morrison invented the car needle, used with a foot-powered drill, with a speed of up to 300 rpm. In 1875, Dr. George F. Green invented the first electric dental handpiece based on an electric motor, achieving a qualitative leap in speed and effectiveness, greatly facilitating the dentist's operation. During World War I, electric dental handpieces began to be widely adopted, reaching speeds of 3000 rpm. From the early to mid-20th century, the W&H brand continued to improve the design of dental handpieces, inventing modern mainstream push-button designs such as ball-button and roller-internal lock types. In 1949, John Patrick Walsh developed and patented a turbine air-driven handpiece with a speed of up to 400,000 rpm.

Dental handpieces have reached a highly developed stage today. But how did they evolve to this point?

The late 18th century saw a major advancement in dental handpieces with the advent of the hand-cranked dental drill. In 1864, George Fellows Harrington invented a spring-driven drill, named Erado. Despite its considerable noise, its practicality and effectiveness were recognized. In 1868, Dr. George F. Green invented a foot-powered drill, further improving the efficiency of dental treatment. In 1871, James B. Morrison invented the car needle, used with a foot-powered drill, achieving speeds up to 300 rpm. In 1875, Dr. George F. Green invented the first electric dental handpiece based on an electric motor, resulting in a qualitative leap in speed and effectiveness, greatly facilitating dental procedures. During World War I, electric dental handpieces began to be widely adopted, reaching speeds of 3000 rpm.

From the early to mid-20th century, the W&H brand continued to improve the design of dental handpieces, inventing modern mainstream push-button designs such as ball-button and roller-internal locking types. In 1949, John Patrick Walsh developed and patented a turbine air-driven handpiece with a speed of up to 400,000 rpm.

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