CHC Planning Guide 2017 - 50

Guidance & Expertise from CHC Dental Leaders
therefore allows for a single sensor size to serve all patients. DEXIS therefore not only provides an excellent
image but versatility and cost-effectiveness.
The second type of digital sensor sizing includes sizes 0, 1, 2. Size 0 is so small it captures very little that is
diagnostically useful. We recommend that buying size 0 sensors is an unnecessary expense that can be avoided.
Size 1 is useful for small children and size 2 equals an adult size image. With positioning kits to aid, any patient
that can tolerate having an X-ray taken can be accommodated with the recommendations made in this section.
Phosphor plates may be easier for some to correctly place in the mouth than sensors but they require a second
step of processing and erasing before they can be viewed. Processing through a scanner takes several seconds
before the image is sent to the computer monitor. Phosphor plates require careful handling to extend their life.
They can be reused until they are too damaged or scratched to produce a diagnostic-quality image.
With image and record management software and regular backups, digital images will never be lost and the
need to search for records will be eliminated. Digital radiography improves the ease of compliance to HIPAA
standards while enabling easy transfer of images to specialty referrals and insurance companies for review.

Imaging Software: Essential
All digital radiography requires imaging software. This is different from
the EDR. Imaging software is where the digital X-rays are stored, viewed,
and manipulated. To assure cohesive patient care, imaging software that
integrates directly with the patient record is invaluable. Imaging software
should be easy and intuitive to use and patients benefit from being able to
review their X-rays with the dentist with images the size of an entire computer
monitor rather than tiny traditional films. Many software applications advertise
a plethora of features. In reality most dentists use few of those: contrast
adjustment, image magnification, and colorization of tissues are examples of
commonly used and beneficial software features.

Utility Closet Equipment: Essential
The utility closet is the heart of your office. The equipment located here is absolutely essential to your office's
operation, but is often noisy and bulky. Separated from the remaining areas of the clinic in its own special area,
your utility equipment can function in the background without interfering with your normal daily routine.

Vacuum: Essential
Simply put, a vacuum suctions away water and debris during the performance of procedures on the patient. The
vacuum is connected by lines that typically run under the surface of the floor from the utility room to the junction
box in the operatory and then along the lines in the chair to the high-volume evacuators and saliva ejector. If the
vacuum fails, dental treatment comes to a halt in the entire office.
Vacuums come in many sizes and types. The size of the vacuum required for your office is dependent on the
number of operatories you will have and the number of anticipated simultaneous users of the system. There are
several considerations when looking at vacuum systems:

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CHC Planning Guide 2017