A dedicated endodontic handpiece (20) includes a hollow body portion (21) accommodating a low-speed motor, and a first mechanical transmission element (22) coupled to the motor shaft. A disposable head portion (25) is adapted for removably coupling to the end (23) of the body portion and accommodates at a first end a second mechanical transmission element (26) for engaging the first mechanical transmission element (22) when the head portion is coupled to the body portion. A connector (30) at a second end of the head portion frictionally grips an endodontic tool (31) without any other locking means； and an electronic control circuit within the body portion controls the motor speed as a function of load and resistance applied by the root canal through the endodontic tool to the motor.
