Abstract: A dental handpiece which includes a high speed compressed-air driven turbine at the distal end thereof which serves to drive a dental drill, or other element. The handpiece includes an internal conduit for supplying compressed air to the turbine and an exit port for exhausting the compressed air. In accordance with the concepts of the invention, the exit port is coupled to a vacuum pump, or other vacuum source, to enhance the turbine efficiency and to provide for increased power output with significant noise suppression, and also to facilitate the use of in-line oil mist lubrication.