CHC Planning Guide - 2019 - 60

Dental Equipment
Water Treatment System: Recommended
Purity of water for the protection and longevity of equipment is an important issue in a dental clinic. During
treatment the dentist, hygienist, or assistant will flush the patient's mouth with fresh water. Water also flows
through the handpiece to providing cooling during preparation of cavities for fillings. Steam sterilizers also
require pure water in order to function. Many dental chair systems now come with a plastic bottle mount to
provide purified water for treatment. The office can keep a supply of distilled water on hand for use around the
office. However, a more efficient approach is a built-in water treatment system that purifies community water
before it travels to the dental unit and for filling of sterilizer reservoirs.

Intra-Office Communication System: Recommended
There are several systems that can help the front desk/reception area communicate with the clinical area
and the provider office. The simplest are light systems coded to represent patient arrival or readiness. More
advanced system display messages on computer monitors. These help staff to know what is happening and
to convey information without having to leave their work-posts or current patients. Such systems improve
accuracy and speed and reduce frustration.

EXPERT
ADVICE

When deciding on cabinetry needs, consider the purpose, function, and storage goals for
each piece you consider. Often operatories are loaded with drawers and cupboards which
serve no purpose. Operatories are not where supplies should be stored unless the office is
so tiny there is no alternative.

Cabinetry: Essential
Consider hand-washing/sanitizing solutions, where the sink should be placed (access for the dentist
and assistant is important), what essential items should be stored in an operatory, what items belong in
standardized procedure tubs (we can help you with how to set those up), what work surfaces you need and
where, of what material those surfaces should be manufactured, and outlet placement and ease of reach.
There are two options when purchasing new cabinetry. You can either buy commercially manufactured dental
cabinets or hire local cabinetmakers to design and build according to your specifications. There are advantages
and disadvantages to each approach.

Dental-Specific Manufactured Cabinetry
Advantages
* Readily available from several companies
* Wide variety of price ranges and options on the market
* Standard cabinetry designs handle a majority of needs in the treatment room and support areas
* Aseptically designed for easy cleaning and long life under harsh conditions
* 'Name' brands may have better resale value
* Most manufacturers will customize within reason
* Can be moved if practice relocates or expands
* Purchased cabinets are considered capital investments rather than leasehold improvements, thereby
accelerating the purchaser's tax deductions

Call: 1-800-851-0400 8:00am-8:00pm, (ET)

CHC Planning Guide - 2019

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