An apparatus and method for purging a dental air/water syringecomprises at least one of a button hold-down device for holding down at leastonebutton of the syringe for discharging fluid therefrom and a collectioncontainer forcollecting the discharged fluid. The button hold-down device includes axiallyspacedcontact surfaces for contacting a syringe body and the button so that thedevice issupported mounted on the syringe body in a working position. The collectioncontainerfeatures an interior perforated false bottom wall under which is formed acollectionspace where the discharged fluid collects, and a drain is communicated withthecollection space for removing the collected fluid therefrom. The drain can beconnectedto a saliva ejector for removal of the fluid by suction.
