Surgery planning

01 September 2010
Volume 26 · Issue 8

Kate Scheer considers where to start.

This article aims to give you a sound foundation on which to build and develop your new dental surgery. There are many different issues to think about when planning a new or refurbishing an existing surgery. Over recent years, the diversity of products within dentistry has expanded beyond recognition. In addition, dental units have developed and improved aesthetically and in functionality. With a raft of technical innovations and improved dental equipment and handpieces available, the dental practice of today offers a much-improved working environment. 

The dentist is now faced with varying options, designed to allow them to meet the ever-advancing requirements of a 21st century dental practice. When selecting new dental equipment it is advisable to be talking to suppliers who have an established reputation for customer care and ongoing commitment to developing innovative, quality products and dental excellence.

As healthcare professionals are well aware, every case is unique and therefore requires a tailored approach to dental treatments. Purchasing quality, flexible equipment that can be as versatile as you are is an investment in your future. 

Select those suppliers who strive to provide solutions for dentists to enable them to effectively treat all clients including the less ambulant, smaller patients and the elderly. The proportion of elderly patients is increasing from year to year because people are keeping their teeth longer. For elderly and less ambulant patients in particular, getting on and off the treatment chair can represent a challenge. There are a number of knee break chairs which offer this flexibility, including the KaVo 1058 Compact which is contoured, orthopedic and ergonomic. Units such as the 1058 Compact are engineered to be flexible, space saving and allow perfect entry and exit with their large, swingaway arm and 80o backrest position.

In line with advancing treatment indications and methods such as minimal intervention, implantology and endodontics, it has almost become a pre-requisite for dental practices to invest in the latest hi-tech products and equipment if they are to continue to develop and improve the service they offer. With an ever more demanding and knowledgeable general public, many of whom now pay for their treatment, expectations have increased.

The current range of hi-tech dental equipment assists practitioners in increasing the breadth of treatments available to them whilst improving patient communication with instant images and numeric guides allowing faster diagnosis and therefore easier and more visual explanations. A dental unit with integrated multimedia offers the dental professional an excellent tool for patient motivation and education. It illustrates the discussion between dentist and patient, clarifies the patient’s understanding, increases confidence and thereby their acceptance of treatment. Seeing treatment and healing sequences on screen establishes trust and provokes interest in the dentists’ professional skills. These products also allow for patient friendly dentistry to be performed.

It is important to select a dental unit which offers improved efficiency, effectiveness and aesthetics. When selecting a unit, look for brands which offer a range of dental units, with the latest technology. The new generation of dental units should offer access to standard features such as intensive cleaning systems, micromotors, hygienic design, unbeatable ergonomics and the flexibility to retrofit in the future. Other technological improvements, which have substantially affected the working environment, include: superior lighting for units and handpieces, increased efficiency of dental units and the possibility to integrate endodontic and surgical motors.  

Units such as the new Estetica E80 offer all these options and are designed to withstand high use and intensive cleaning.  

So what should you be looking for? A unit that offers exceptional freedom of movement for patient and dentist; one that takes your patient’s comfort into consideration, and your health. The individual working positions must ensure your posture is constantly healthy, strain-free and relaxed. The unit should not constrain your movements and the chair height must be easily adjustable for standing or seated treatments. Your new dental unit should give you the power to work comfortably and efficiently so you can concentrate on offering quality dental care. 

When choosing your equipment supplier, in addition to your treatment needs you need to discuss the level of service, support and maintenance you will receive. This will include the availability of spare parts and how fast the emergency call out response would be. Having made your choice of manufacturer, based on the quality of the products they supply and your personal needs, it is always advisable before making a final commitment, to discuss your plans with one of their experienced equipment specialists.

It is worth recognising that buying cheaply, or a ‘bargain’, is often a false economy in the long run, so make sure you know exactly what you will be getting, including the quality of the product, its likely lifespan and its durability. A busy dental practice will inevitably put extra stress on equipment, which must be resilient to withstand constant use. So protect yourself by making sure when selecting your equipment it really is a sound investment.

Upon installation spend some time making sure everything is completed to your satisfaction and that any discrepancies have been noted. Once the installation is complete, orientate yourself with your new equipment. The manufacturer’s representative should be very willing to train surgery staff in the operation and maintenance procedures necessary to keep your new investment in pristine working order (this is a must).

The purchase of new dental equipment is a big investment and therefore you should be happy with your final purchase and the service you receive.

For more information visit www.kavo.co.uk