Abstract: A proximity instant-on switch for medical and dental instruments that includes a magnetically-responsive switch incorporated into the handle of the instrument and a permanent magnet embedded into the instrument cradle at a position adjacent the location of the switch when the instrument is placed in the cradle. The presence of the magnetic field created by the magnet maintains the switch in its open state while the instrument is in place in the cradle. However, upon removal of the instrument from the cradle, the loss of the magnetic field closes the switch thereby automatically energizing the instrument.