With over 25 well known manufacturers on the market, the options and selections for dental chairs are vast. There are many features to consider when selecting the perfect one. Investing in the right piece of equipment now and knowing what characteristics to look for can help save dentists a lot of money in the future. Because dental chairs are used on a daily basis and must accommodate all sizes, shapes, and ages of patients- quality and functionality are two key components to consider. By selecting a dental chair that has an adjustable headrest, steadfast lumbar support, and a model that can be lowered and raised based on the size and shape of the both the dentist and the patient, a dentist can ensure a chair that will allow them to have easy access to each and every patient that they see.

For patients, being comfortable throughout a procedure can make the treatment and diagnosis process a lot more relaxing. For some individuals (particularly children), certain procedures can be quite frightening. However, having the right environment can make the time spent in an office a lot more serene.  A dental chair which is of high comfort can really help patients direct their thoughts into relaxing ones rather than being nervous about possible negative outcomes.  Patient dental chairs provide comfort for the patient as they receive care. The quality of a dental chair is just as important for the dentist as well. Because many dentists suffer from musculoskeletal problems due to having to contort themselves over the dental chair as they perform procedures, having an adjustable dental chair can help relax the dentist as they no longer are forced to exert themselves to treat patients.

When purchasing a dental chair, newer models are often alluring. However, there are many used and refurbished chairs that provide the same quality, comfort, and operability as brand new ones. Purchasing a high quality used dental chair can help save dentists a lot of money.  By familiarizing themselves with their new dental chairs and by maintaining and taking good care of them, dentists can utilize these essential pieces of equipment for many years to come.

At Dental Planet, we have many new and refurbished dental chairs to fit your each and every need. We offer high quality dental chairs at affordable prices and offer a 1 year warranty (or longer) on all of our models. Our custom upholstery options ensure that our exceptional dental chairs will match the look and feel of your practice. For more information, please visit our website today.

The latest innovations allow for fast and easy use for efficient instrument processing, reliability and effectiveness for infection control assurance, automatic opening door for efficient instrument drying, and maximum space utilization and a complimentary design for your sterilization area.  Although these sterilizers can be a somewhat costly addition to a dental operatory, the time and money that they save dentists down the road is substantial. Taking a few pointers into consideration and performing routine checks and replacing old parts on your unit can help maximize the life and functioning of your model.

Below are a few part replacement tips that can help you make the most of and get the best results from your sterilizer:

• Door Gasket: To replace the door gasket, begin by simply removing the old door gasket. Clean the gasket groove in the door, and chamber face. For easy installation of the new gasket, use the “South-East-West-North” method (i.e. begin installingthe gasket at the bottom of the door, then install the left and right sides and finishing at the top by squeezing in any of the excess making sure that the gasket fits flush).

• Dam Gasket: Use CAUTION when removing or installing the dam gasket –the door studs can be sharp. To install the door dam, align and place the dam gasket on and over the door studs. The dam must lie flat against the door (refer to the Installation Instructions included with the MIG035 dam gasket).

• Filters: Depending on the age of the machine, you will need to replace either the sintered bronze style Chamber Filter or both the mesh style Chamber Filter and Vent Filter. See below for instructions.

Chamber Filter (sintered bronze style filter): If the machine has only a Chamber Filter – Remove all trays and the rack from the chamber. Clean chamber then remove the old chamber filter. Install a new filter. Reinstall rack and trays.

Chamber & Vent Filters (mesh style filter): If the machine has both a Chamber and a Vent Filter – Remove all trays and the rack from the chamber. Clean the chamber, then remove the chamber filter. Install the new filter. You must also replace the Vent Filter that serves as a filter for the steam trap/bellows and is located in the vent line to the tee fitting. Reinstall rack and trays.

• Door Spring: Remove the old spring. Reuse the screw to install the two new door springs – one on top of the other. This will aid in the door opening.

• Sterilizer: After replacing the PM parts, check the reservoir and clean if dirt or debris are present (Note: Debris is the number one reason for Steam Trap/Bellows failure). Refill reservoir with distilled water only. Conduct a temperature check using a Max Register Thermometer. Conduct a pressure check to identify any leaks that may need to be addressed. If calibration is necessary, use the RPI Pressure Gauge and the RPI Trim Pot Tool.

At Dental Planet, we offer the highest quality dental sterilizers at affordable prices. Our available models include the Midmark M11 UltraClave® Automatic Sterilizer, the Midmark M9 model, and numerous others. For more information on sterilizer units or sterilizer parts, please visit our website today.

On a daily basis, dentists are constantly working hard to accurately diagnose patients. In many circumstances, dentists can detect cavities by simply visually inspecting the teeth. However, certain types of cavities and other oral problems are not always easily visible to the naked eye. Intraoral cameras offer dentists a tool to help aid them in diagnosing cavities, carious lesions, or other damage within the mouth. By using an Intraoral camera, a dentist can detect cavities more accurately and locate problematic areas before they become even worse. Early detection can result in easier and less invasive treatment for the patient.

Certain types of intraoral cameras are designed to take both videos and still photographs. We have all heard the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words.” In the dental office, this statement is very true. When a dentist uses a high quality Intraoral camera, the camera can display the image on a monitor that is viewable by both the dentist and the patient. This allows the dentist to have an outstanding perspective as well as the patient to see with their own eyes what the dentist sees. Patients will have the opportunity to see large-scale and clear images of cavities, cracks, and lesions throughout their mouth. When the dentist gives the official diagnosis and explains a treatment recommendation, the patient will have far more confidence and be more comfortable in receiving the treatment.

An Intraoral camera is clearly an essential asset for any dental practice. By having stored images on file, a dentist can go back whenever he or she wants to review cases prior to procedures or follow-up appointments. Many dentists use these cameras for both educational and legal purposes as well. By having documentation of various procedures, medical schools have a tool to help educate future dentists on various oral issues and procedures. Intraoral cameras feature disposable probe covers which helps to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of bacteria, germs, or viruses. These cameras have greatly impacted the dental community and are still being updated and researched for further improvements in technology and functionality.

If you are in need of a new intraoral camera or are interested in learning more about the information mentioned above, please stop by our website today!

Purchasing equipment can be both confusing and expensive. There are numerous choices and companies to choose from. Then, there are gadgets, upgrades and options that can easily raise a new office price to upwards of $80,000 per operatory. As I wrote in Buyer Beware, “one poor decision can drastically change your future.” Well then, the other side of that coin is– one GOOD decision can drastically change your future. Actually, it can save you over $1.5 million. More on this in a minute.

Let me tell you about a recent partnership of ours which I believe will successfully transition your equipment buying process into a money saving and stress-free experience while offering the best in choice and benefits. Whether you are expanding your office to improve services, building a new office or replacing equipment, our exclusive equipment partner will save you a substantial amount of money. I’ll explain further–
BuyDentalEquipment.com offers quality refurbished equipment as well as affordably priced new equipment with cost savings of up to 40% or more. You also save an additional 5% over all of their regularly advertised pricing as a Profitable Dentist subscriber. They sell direct through their team of equipment specialists thus saving you significantly. Their refurbishment process is extensive, ensuring the highest working standards today and in the years to come. Every piece of refurbished equipment they sell is backed by a full one-year warranty on parts.  They also provide delivery and installation to all 50 states, by their highly qualified team. Do you see the value here?

Building a new office or renovating/updating an existing office? BuyDentalEquipment.com will be with you every step of the way. They offer new office floor space/design services and full construction drawings by professional architects, well-versed in dental design.  This is a must if you want to maximize your space to work efficiently and comply with plumbing, wiring and radiographic guidelines. These services are at no charge when offset by your equipment purchase.  But that’s not all–
They have a sister company. BuyDentalCabinets.com offers custom cabinetry for all your operatory, sterilization, lab, or reception cabinets. The quality is second to none, and all are backed by a 5-year warranty. These savings can be in excess of over 50% compared to many major manufacturers. The 5% subscriber savings applies here too.

Can you see why this partnership is a no-brainer? It’s about profits – It’s about “not how much you make, but how much you keep” –  It’s about a future retirement.

Ok, earlier I mentioned a previous article, <em>Buyer Beware</em>, and how one good decision could save you over $1,500,000. Let me tell you how this is possible. Just this week, BuyDentalEquipment.com gave me an example of a comparison bid they did for a customer in the northeast. This customer was about to construct a new, 3-operatory office. They already had a bid of $235,000. BuyDentalEquipment.com was able to bid all new cabinetry and new and refurbished equipment to the Dr for a total, installed price of $116,000.  So lets just say you take a $100,000 of that savings and invest it at 30 years at 10% interest. The Results?  $1,744,940 for your nest egg. So, the decision is yours, new, high end, expensive equipment with all the gadgets and bells and whistles, or a nice view of the Caribbean ocean from your Villa in The Caymans? I’ll take the View.