Purchasing Equipment

Dental Stools (Figure 7)

1. Do they provide a stable base with four or five casters?
2. Do they have well-padded flat or contoured seats?
3. Are they easily adjustable?
4. Does the assistant's stool provide a back and abdominal support that adjusts vertically and horizontally?
5. Does the operator's stool provide vertical and horizontal adjustment with back support?

Mobile Cabinet (Figure 8)

1. Is it stable and easy to move?
2. Does it provide easy access to instruments and materials?
3. Is there adequate work surface within 1-2 inches of the elbow?
4. Does it provide a movable work surface that can be positioned over the assistant's lap?
5. Does it provide adequate storage with a deep well at the top?

Fixed Cabinetry

1. Can it be kept to a minimum?
2. Can it be positioned to provide for maximum floor space?
3. Can it be positioned so the assistant can gain access to back-up materials as needed?
4. Is a section of it located far enough away to avoid infectious aerosols coming in contact with records and radiographs?

Dental Unit Components Including Air/Water Syringe, Handpieces, HVE System

1. Does each of these components contain lightweight, smooth flexible hosing? (Figure 2)
2. Are they easy to use?
3. Are there fiberoptic options?
4. Can they be easily positioned so that the assistant can readily pass them to the operator without infringing on the patient?
5. Are the attachments to the hoses sterilizable?
6. Do the handpieces provide a range of speeds and locking mechanisms for hoses to prevent tugback?
7. Does the air/water syringe retain an angled tip that is easily rotated? (Figure 9)

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Citation Number: Vol. 2, No. 4, Page 049