A dispensing device comprises a compartment for receiving a dental material, a piston for extruding the material from the compartment and a spindle drive for moving the piston and the compartment relative to one another. The spindle drive comprises a spindle and a link which are adapted for disengageable engagement with one another, wherein the spindle and the link are operable relative to each other between an engaged position in which the link and the spindle are engaged with one another, and a disengaged position in which the spindle and the link are disengaged from one another. The device may be relatively robust and inexpensive to manufacture, and may facilitate preparation of dental materials for use.
