Have you ever wondered why your dental chair needs regular servicing and maintenance?
Well, you're in the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the importance of dental chair servicing, maintenance tips and much more.
Ready to get started? Let's dive in.
So, what exactly is dental chair servicing?
It's the process of inspecting, adjusting and repairing your dental chair to ensure it's in optimal condition.
The dental chair, or treatment centre, isn't just a piece of furniture—it's one of the most valuable items in your surgery.
Therefore, maintaining it according to manufacturers' guidelines and the highest standards is essential for the safe and efficient running of your chair and associated tools.
But how often should a dental chair be serviced, you ask? Great question!
We recommend an annual service. Just like your car needs regular servicing to keep it running smoothly, so does your dental chair.
Regular servicing can help identify potential issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run.
We understand that with all the responsibilities of running a dental practice, remembering to schedule a dental chair service might slip your mind.
That's why we offer to set up a service schedule for you and contact you when it's time for a service. This way, you can focus on what you do best—providing excellent dental care to your patients.
Now, you might be wondering, "What exactly does a dental chair service involve?"
For a detailed breakdown of what an engineer will do during a service, we invite you to read our article, "The Ultimate Guide to Dental Engineering."
This guide will give you a comprehensive understanding of the servicing process and the crucial role of a dental engineer.
Maintaining your dental chair requires attention, care and consistency. Regular maintenance can prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.
Here are some maintenance practices that you can incorporate into your routine:
Daily Maintenance Practices:
Regular flushing through handpieces and air/water syringes: This helps to keep the lines clean and free from blockages.
Lubricating dental chair parts: This ensures smooth operation and reduces wear and tear.
Disinfecting after each patient: This is crucial for infection control and patient safety.
Weekly Maintenance Practices:
Checking and replacing O-rings on handpiece couplers: This helps to maintain a good seal and prevent leaks.
Checking and replacing gaskets on handpieces: This ensures the handpieces function correctly and efficiently.
Monthly Maintenance Practices:
Cleaning and replacing plaster traps: This prevents blockages and keeps your suction system running smoothly.
Checking nitrous oxide systems and ensuring emergency oxygen units are working properly: This is vital for patient safety.
Remember, these are general maintenance tips. Depending on the brand and model of your dental chair, there may be specific maintenance procedures that you need to follow.
Want to learn more about how to care for these specific brands of dental chairs? We've got you covered.
Check out our in-depth article on dental chair care and cleaning for Belmont, Fedesa and Ancar chairs.
It's packed with brand-specific tips and advice to help you keep your dental chair in tip-top shape.
When it comes to your dental chair, being proactive about repairs and upkeep can make a world of difference.
If your chair is more than 10 years old and has been failing repeatedly, it might be time for some professional attention. But don't worry, with proper upkeep and regular servicing, you can minimise the need for frequent repairs.
And if you have any scratch marks, scuffs, slits or tears in your dental chair vinyl they can present an infection control issue, so by re-upholstering you can eliminate this risk.
Here are a few quick checks to help with dental chair issues:
Check that the air supply is on and working in other surgeries. Often, this is a metal toggle switch under the delivery unit on the chair to turn the air supply on.
The pressure gauge on the air compressor should show between 6 and 8 bar to show it is working correctly.
Ensure that nothing is pressing against the cut-out switches, e.g., a foot pedal left on the base of the chair.
But what if you encounter a problem that you can't solve on your own?
That's where our emergency call-out service comes in. We understand the urgency of these situations, and we're committed to responding to repair calls as swiftly as possible.
You can take advantage of our emergency service, designed to provide you with swift assistance when you need it most.
Take a look at our article on Emergency Engineers and Call-Outs. It's packed with all the information you need to easily navigate those unexpected equipment failures.
This comprehensive guide includes advice on dealing with a wide range of issues, including those related to dental chairs.
When it comes to the cost of dental chair servicing, it's important to view it as an investment rather than an expense.
Yes, there's a cost involved, but the benefits you reap—like extended equipment life, improved patient comfort and compliance with regulations—far outweigh the initial outlay.
One way to manage the cost of dental chair servicing is through a regular annual service plan, such as our EclipseCare Service plans.
Not only will this ensure that you are CQC compliant, but it will also extend the working life of your dental equipment. Think of it as a health insurance plan for your dental chair!
But why choose EclipseCare?
Here are some compelling reasons:
Experienced Engineers: Our team is made up of seasoned professionals who know their way around dental chairs.
Quick Booking Time: We value your time and ensure swift scheduling of your service appointments.
Fast Same-Day Response: When you need us, we're there. Our quick response time means less downtime for your practice.
Well-Stocked Vans with Parts: Our engineers come prepared with all the necessary parts, reducing the need for follow-up visits.
Loan Equipment Available: If your chair needs extensive repairs, we can provide loan equipment to keep your practice running.
Workshop Facility: For more complex issues, we have a fully-equipped workshop to handle major repairs.
Certificates for CQC Requirements: We provide certificates after each service, helping you stay compliant with CQC regulations.
Never Miss a Service, Ensuring Full Compliance: With our service plans, you'll never miss a service, ensuring you stay compliant, and your equipment stays in top shape.
So, are you ready to invest in the health of your dental chair and the success of your practice?
Learn more about our EclipseCare Service plans here.
And there you have it - a comprehensive guide to dental chair servicing and maintenance.
We've journeyed through the importance of understanding dental chair servicing, the lifespan of a dental chair, essential maintenance tips, proactive repair and upkeep strategies, the cost of servicing and the benefits of our EclipseCare Service plans.
Remember, regular servicing and proper maintenance are not just tasks to be checked off a list. They're integral parts of ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your dental chair, the comfort of your patients and the smooth running of your practice.
We've also highlighted the importance of being prepared for unexpected equipment failures with our emergency call-out service. It's always better to be safe than sorry, right?
So, are you ready to give your dental chair the care it deserves? Are you prepared to invest in its health and, by extension, the success of your practice?
We hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and tools you need to confidently navigate the world of dental chair servicing and maintenance.
Remember, whether you're dealing with a routine service or an unexpected repair, we're here to support you every step of the way. So why wait?
For more insights and detailed guides, don't forget to check out our articles on The Ultimate Guide to Dental Engineering, Dental Chair Care and Cleaning, Common Equipment Breakdowns and Emergency Engineers and Call-Outs.
