Stainless-steel rings, specialty component materials, and an extended-life bearing retainer are several bearing improvements that extend their life in high and low-speed dental and surgical handpieces. Extended-life bearings from Pacamor Kubar Bearings, Troy, N.Y. (pacamor.com) also sport self-lubricating and life-extending additives. Pacamor says it worked with dental professionals to develop the improvements in its dental bearings. The units come ready for use, lubricated with food-safe and autoclave resistant grease. PKB uses high quality, filtered lubricants in its antifriction bearings. “Our goal is a bearing that is forgiving under short term, lube starved conditions until proper maintenance is performed,” says VP operations Mike Selby.