An apparatus and method for purging a dental air/water syringe comprises at least one of a button hold-down device for holding down at least one button of the syringe for discharging fluid therefrom and a collection container for collecting the discharged fluid. The button hold-down device includes axially spaced contact surfaces for contacting a syringe body and the button so that the device is supported mounted on the syringe body in a working position. The collection container features an interior perforated false bottom wall under which is formed a collection space where the discharged fluid collects, and a drain is communicated with the collection space for removing the collected fluid therefrom. The drain can be connected to a saliva ejector for removal of the fluid by suction.
