Final answer:
Steam sterilization with an autoclave is the most recommended method for sterilizing dental handpieces, while chemical liquid and vapor sterilizations are alternatives using sterilants compatible with dental equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Recommended methods for sterilizing dental handpieces include steam sterilization, which utilizes moist-heat to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including tough endospores. This method is often achieved through the use of an autoclave, a device that raises temperatures above boiling point to effectively sterilize medical equipment without causing damage. Alternatively, chemical liquid sterilization and chemical vapor sterilization are other options, using chemical agents known as sterilants to achieve a sterile environment through various application techniques that must ensure compatibility with the dental equipment to avoid damage.