Abstract: There is disclosed a handle for a disposable appliance that is particularly useful as a dental instrument for holding a disposable swab or brush that is mounted on a bendable stem, which device includes a handle that is of a size and shape to be manipulated with the fingers and having on at least one end a holding means for the stem. The holding means includes at least one groove of a size to receive the stem snugly and a slot located between the groove and the handle with the thickness of the slot being slightly greater than the diameter of the stem. A removable sleeve that is formed with internal contours to provide a friction fit with the holding means cooperates with the holding means, when installed thereon, to form a channel including at least one groove, the channel closely embracing the stem and holding it against slipping axially.