Abstract: An apparatus for operative cleaning and preparation of dental handpieces is made as an integrated unit having holding stubs (6) for receiving the handpieces inside a treating chamber (1, 30), which is designed in a pressure resisting manner and with heating means (12, 56) such that it is directly usable for autoclave treatment of the handpieces. Through the holding stubs (6) and in accordance with a control program it is possible to supply warm water and oil to the respective channels in the handpieces. The apparatus may appear as a table unit (32) holding all what is required for a complete cleaning lubrication and sterilization cycle.