An intelligent dental handpiece control system is disclosed. The handpiece includes a sensor which detects a vibration, sound, force or torque frequency/time signal produced by the handpiece in use and signal processor which produces or determines secondary signal characteristics such as the handpiece torque, force or angular velocity. A controller analyzes the secondary signal characteristics and produces a control signal which controls or stops the angular velocity of the dental handpiece in order to avoid overdrilling of healthy tooth material or damaging the nerves in the jaw during dental implant operations. The controller may also provide a warning signal to the user and/or control the angular velocity of the handpiece.
