Your Dental Light Preventative Maintenance Guide

by DentalPlanet on 23/11/11 at 10:08 am

Your Operatory Light Reflects On You … Keep It Clean

Take a moment to think about what your patients see when they sit in a dental chair in your office. At some point during their visit, your patients will look up at the operatory light. Keeping your operatory light clean is a good reflection on your office. Here are some helpful hints on how to keep your light clean and in good working order to achieve maximum effectiveness.

WARNING: To avoid personal injury, turn OFF the light and allow to cool to room temperature before cleaning.

Cleaning the plastic lens shield

Turn OFF the light and allow to cool to room temperature before cleaning.
Soak a lint-free, 100% cotton cloth or a gauze pad in a diluted, mild dishwashing soap.
Clean the plastic lens shield by lightly rubbing it in the same direction with the cloth or gauze pad.
Remove all residue of the dishwashing liquid from the shield after cleaning it.
Air dry shield before use.

Cleaning Tip #1

There is a risk of cracking the plastic lens shield and the glass reflector if you begin the cleaning process before the light has cooled to room temperature. This would also void the warranty.

Cleaning Tip #2

Plan to clean the lens shield and glass reflector, or replace the bulb in the morning before the operatory lights have been turned ON.

Cleaning Tip #3

When cleaning the plastic lens shield and glass reflector, always rub lightly in the same direction with a lint-free, 100% cotton cloth or a gauze pad to avoid scratches.

Cleaning Tip #4

It’s time to replace the lens shield when there are signs of wear such as cracks or discoloration. The same applies to the glass reflector, in addition to the reflective coating starting to peel away.

Cleaning Tip #5

Oils from your skin that come in contact with a new bulb can cause “hot spots” once the power is turned ON. These hot spots can shorten the life expectancy of the bulb.

Cleaning the glass reflector

Turn OFF the light and allow to cool to room temperature before cleaning.
Soak a lint-free, 100% cotton cloth or a gauze pad in a diluted, mild dishwashing soap.
Clean the glass reflector by lightly rubbing it in the same direction with the cloth or gauze pad.
Remove all residue of the dishwashing liquid from the reflector after cleaning.
Air dry reflector before use.

Replacing the bulb

Turn OFF the light and allow to cool to room temperature before cleaning.
Disconnect power to the light.
Remove the old bulb using a cloth or a gauze pad for your protection from possible broken glass. Inspect the light bulb socket for damage at this time.
Install the new bulb using a cloth or a gauze pad for your protection from possible broken glass and to avoid getting oils from your skin on the bulb’s glass surface. (Note: If the new bulb should come in contact with your skin, gently clean the bulb using a cotton cloth with isopropyl or ethyl alcohol to remove any oils. Allow bulb to dry completely before turning ON light.)

2 Responses to “Your Dental Light Preventative Maintenance Guide”

Julie

Jan 4th, 2018

I’m trying to clean the shield but I am having a hard time getting the shield out to wash it. Is there an easy way to do this?
DentalPlanet

Jan 4th, 2018

We would need to know what type of light you have.

Dental Planet