To guarantee the safety of patients and employees, it is critical to keep dental tools and equipment sterilised and in good working order. However, let’s face the facts. Proper dental equipment repair and maintenance means performing essential tasks on a timely basis. As a part of the dental care team, it is necessary to be well-equipped with the right tools. Additional knowledge on how to disinfect, clean, and prolong the lifespan of various dental equipment are also helpful. Most of these tasks are time-consuming. Therefore, a preventive maintenance guide can help ensure that important chores aren’t overlooked or completed late.
Why is Dental Equipment Repair and Maintenance Necessary?
Preventive maintenance ensures that each dental supply and equipment runs smoothly and dependably, reducing the chance of malfunction, unnecessary accident, or spread of infection in your clinic. It can also help you save money by extending the lifespan of your investments.
As these materials require routine and timely upkeeping, using a checklist for these tasks can help organise your duties more efficiently. This guide identifies which items require a daily, weekly, monthly or annual checking. Before considering hiring a repair expert, it is best to start by evaluating all of your alternatives.
Dental Equipment Maintenance Kit
Aside from regular preventive maintenance, every clinic should also have an emergency kit for urgent dental supply needs. This kit should contain all of the components necessary to execute a routine preventive maintenance check. It must also include service records to make documentation easier. Equipment repair and upkeep should be tailored specifically for each unit. Moreover, it should also follow your plans of certifications, inspections, and replacements.
Here are some suggestions on things to include in your kit:
- Dental Handpiece. A dental handpiece requires bur and chucks tools, cleaners, spare turbines, and lubricants.
- Air Compressors. Intake valves and oil
- Vacuum. Line cleaner, canisters, intake filters, and traps
- Spare Light Bulbs. Curing lights, handpiece lights, and operational lights
- Manuals. All user manuals and invoices of equipment purchase for warranty issues
Keeping these self-repair materials on hand allow you to do basic dental equipment maintenance tasks while problems are still manageable. This is better than waiting for them to escalate into more significant concerns.
When Should I Look for Repair Services?
In cases where you can no longer perform dental equipment repair and maintenance by yourself, you should seek assistance from service technicians. Storing invoices and manuals allows you to quickly contact the service provider in the event that your equipment needs professional repair.
Most importantly, you should also consider a service technician if you have new equipment. You may be protected under the retailer’s or manufacturer’s warranty.
What Are the Benefits of Service Technicians?
Service technicians have years of experience and have a full commitment in assisting you to avoid expenses. They will be the ones to repair your equipment so that you may focus on your patients’ dental needs. Oftentimes, manufacturers have on-site repair technicians in different areas. They can fix anything from a broken handpiece, to a leaking sterilizer, or to a tattered, unsightly chair.
Buying vs. Repair Considerations
After following the procedures above, you may find that acquiring new equipment will save you from other expenses. Most especially if the equipment you are currently using is an older model that is no longer in the market. Older components might be more difficult and costly to locate. Your service technician will be able to advise you of the prices of repairs before they begin.
Lastly, if repairing an item is not possible, a replacement will be necessary. Nevertheless, any competent service technician will discuss the available choices and alternatives that you have.
If you are ready to upgrade to the advanced MELAG system, contact Melag Autoclave at (02) 8880 7813 or visit us online.
