The invention provides a unitary cordless dental drive apparatus in a first embodiment having a handpiece with a cantilever arm 18 extending outward and positioned to allow a dental nose cone 26 to be connected. An activating switch 20 is located at the free end of the cantilever arm 18 in a position that is convenient for manipulation by a user. In a second embodiment, a contactor 22 is mounted below the cantilever arm 18′； to contact the nose cone 26′； when pressed. In a third embodiment, a standard dental office foot pedal 90 is connected to a wireless transmitter 80 for sending a signal to a receiver 92 located within the handpiece 70 for activating the handpiece 70.
