What to look for when buying a dental delivery system

1
For further information visit www.a-dec .com.au or follow us on @A_decAust
What to look for when buying a dental delivery system?
The delivery system plays a critical role in reducing or eliminating the number and extent of
motions you must perform at chairside. Two factors play a significant role in reducing your
stress and fatigue:
 Economy of motion
 Ability to see
Consider while you shop:
 Does the delivery system accommodate technology integration?
 Does the delivery system provide a range of motion, such as, left or right
positioning?
 Does the delivery system provide a choice of delivery preference?
Because the delivery system plays such a critical role in your treatment room, and includes
several components, the following article has been organized into the following key
categories:
 Delivery System Control Head
 Handpiece Controls and Syringe
 Delivery System Arm
 Touchpads
 Assistant’s Instrumentation
 Cuspidors
 Ancillary Housing
DELIVERY SYSTEM CONTROL HEAD
When you look at delivery systems, ask:
Q. Does the delivery system allow for integration of ancillary
equipment?
A. Look for a delivery system that can accommodate the integration of several ancillary
pieces of equipment such as, two electric motors, intra-oral camera, scaler and curing light.
Even if you are not integrating these items now, how easy is it to add or replace them in the
future? You’ll likely have your equipment for 12-15 years or more, yet ancillary technology
is changing more rapidly. Look for a delivery system that has space to accommodate
ancillary equipment in the control head and arms that are large enough with removable
covers to easily run the required cabling or power cords so that you can add or replace

2
ancillary items easily in the future. A delivery system that enables ancillary integration also
will:
 Allow you to prepare for unexpected future needs
 Provide integrated items at chairside, within arms reach
 Eliminate hanging attachments, from the bottom or side of the control head, which
may impede control head positioning.
Q. Does the control head have multiple pivot points?
A. When accessing handpieces, multiple pivot points offer more angles for accurate and
easier control head positioning.
Q. Is there a control head pivot point?
A. A centre pivot provides greater control head rotation and positioning flexibility. In
addition, you’ll be able to maneuver tight spaces and better angle the control head in
relation to the patient’s head.
Q. Does the system support a solo operator?
A. Instrument and handpiece positioning is even more important to the solo practitioner.
All handpieces, ancillary devices and vacuum instruments should be within easy reach of
the seated operator.
Q. Do you have a choice of control head designs styles?
A. No one design style works for all operators. A-dec for instance offers the Traditional or
Continental style control heads. Choice is essential.
Q. Why is handpiece tubing position on a Continental control head
important?
A. Handpiece tubings that connect and pivot from the back of the unit are located further
away from the patient (used only in a trans-thorax position above the patient’s chest). On
the other hand, front-positioned handpiece tubings:
 Place the instruments closer to the oral cavity
 Create more work space
 Eliminate pull-back on the handpiece resulting in less fatigue
 Offer better ergonomics
 Allow you to return handpieces and other instruments without taking focus away
from the oral cavity (Continental delivery)

3
Q. Are the Continental style handpiece tubings arranged in a fan
shape?
A. The fan shape allows you to draw all handpieces to the oral cavity with a true straight-
line pull, so the direction of travel is always toward the work area.
CONSIDER WHILE YOU SHOP
 Does the Continental style control head still provide sufficient room to install
transformers, low voltage power sources and control modules?
 Is there a removable back piece on the individual handpiece tubing guide to make
the tubing replacement easy, or is the guide a tube or channel
Q. Does the handle design allow easy positioning of the control head?
A. Since the control head is positioned before treatment and often repositioned during the
procedure, look for handles that:
 Are available on each side of the control head, and incorporate an air brake on each
side, to lock the control head in place once positioned.
 Are angled to allow a natural positioning of the wrist when your arm is extended.
 You can remove from the left or right side, providing a cleaner line of view for the
patient.
Q. Are multiple tray size and mounting options available on the
delivery system?
A. Multiple tray size and mounting options satisfy every operators requirements – one size
doesn’t necessarily fit all.
Q. How much weight can the control head tray handle?
A. The tray on the control head should adequately hold up to 3.6kg of instruments and other
material without causing the control head to drift or damaging the tray holder.
Q. Does the delivery system meet your needs for additional time-
saving features?
A. The A-dec 500 provides the ability to remotely control ancillary devices such as, a call
system, light, bitewing viewer and other items. This feature enables control of several
devices at your finger tips, through se of the deluxe touchpad, and reduces touchpoints for
contamination.

4
 How easy is it to level the control head?
 Can you level the tray independent of the control head?
 Does the control head maintain its vertical position when the brake is off?
HANDPIECE CONTROLS AND SYRINGE
Q. Are there individual handpiece air and water adjustments?
A. Individual air and water adjustments for each handpiece enable you to accommodate the
needs of various handpieces and procedures. A system with only one water valve limits
you to one setting for all handpieces.
Q. Are there removable air and water adjustment knobs?
A. Adjustment knobs are a cross-contamination point. Knobs that are easy to remove, clean
and sterilize are preferable. Some operators may want to remove and store the knobs once
the water coolant settings are established, making a delivery system surface that’s easy to
wipe over throughout the workday.
Q. Does the delivery system have a safety feature that prohibits chair
movement if the handpiece is activated?
A. Looks for this safety feature that automatically stops the chair movement in the event that
the handpiece is in operation.
Q. What size is the control block assembly?
A. A large assembly reflects a more robust design. With larger ports and moving parts and
seals, the blockages and failures of small delicate seals are virtually eliminated.
Q. Is the control block unitized?
A. Older control blocks can have up to 12 gaskets: a unitized block has just one. Fewer
components require less seals and gaskets, eliminating potential leaks and the need for
maintenance gaskets between blocks. A unitized block also accommodated standard
features such as integration of ancillaries.
Q. What size is the air supply tubing to the control block?
A. Larger tubing such as 5/16” diameter (7.938 mm), provides superior airflow for higher
handpiece torque. Increased airflow to the handpieces results in more power and
durability.

5
Q. Can you repair a water valve by replacing a single water cartridge?
A. Most systems require replacement of the entire control block in the event of a water leak.
Replacing a single cartridge to repair a leak is quick and easy, minimizing down time.
Q. Does the foot control modulate the handpiece smoothly?
A. The foot control should vary the handpiece speed in a smooth and controlled manner. It
will be difficult to achieve precision results with a foot control that produces erratic speeds.
Q. When returning the handpiece to the holder, does the weight of the
handpiece and tubing automatically turn off the handpiece?
A. It should not take extra effort to push the handpiece into the holder, or remove it. It’s
also important that the handpiece properly seat itself in the holder with its own weight so
that when you attempt to use another handpiece, the one left in the holder isn’t
unintentionally activated.
Q. Does the delivery system feature silicone handpiece tubings?
A. Silicone jacketed handpiece tubing increases handpiece flexibility and stain resistance.
This tubing is very light and will not harden over time, allowing it to consistency follow the
natural movement of you hand.
Q. How many handpieces or ancillary devices can you operate with a
single foot control?
A. If you integrate a camera, electric motors, or a scaler, along with handpieces on your
delivery system, you’ll want to ensure that you can operate all devices from a single foot
control.
Q. Does the delivery system accommodate a warm water syringe?
A. Your patients will thank you for this one: especially those with sensitive teeth. A warm
water syringe provides a pleasant, comforting experience. It should maintain a consistent
temperature range that assures comfort during all procedures, from hygiene to lengthier
treatments.
Q. Does the syringe retract water back into the tip?
A. Syringes, handpieces, scalers etc., have a single common source. If any of thee
instruments retract oral cavity fluids back into the system, all are contaminated. Look for
syringes that offer a non-retraction feature.

6
Q. Can you lock the syringe tip in place or allow it to swivel freely?
A. A good syringe design provides the flexibility to meet the needs of a given procedure.
Locking the syringe tip tightly in place helps facilitate cheek retraction, while letting it
swivel freely improves access to certain areas of the oral cavity.
 For ease of replacement, are there quick disconnects for handpiece tubing at the
control block
 Is the water adjustment to the handpiece fine or coarse?
 Does the control head have adjustable handpiece holders to angle handpieces at your
preferred position?
 Can you place a fiber-optic handpiece on a non-fiber-optic tubing? A-dec allows you
to do so.
 Does the 3-way syringe have easy air and water flow control, or simply an On/Off
control?
 Do the syringe tips have a visible indicator that insures proper installation?
 Is the shape of the syringe such that it’s easy to bag for barrier protection, easy to
clean and easy to autoclave?
DELIVERY SYSTEM ARM
Q. Does the delivery system arm allow for easy integration of future
replacement or ancillary equipment?
A. A delivery system arm must be large enough to route power cables for ancillary devices
and/or monitors. Choose a delivery system with removable arm covers to enable easy
addition or replacement of devices without cutting wires or fastening them to the outside of
the arm.
Q. Does the system arm have rotation stops?
A. Rotation stops are important for safety and functionality. To test for them:
 Swing the arm through its full range of motion to see if it collides with itself or the
light post.
 Move the flexarm section up and down to see if it “scissors” against the rigid arm
section.
Built-in stops prevent the arm from damaging itself and having multiple turns, which
can twist and damage internal tubing in the process.

7
Q. Does the arm using bushings at the pivot points?
A. In general, needle bearings or self-lubricating bronze bushings provide the longest
product lifespan. Plastic bushings tend to deform and become sloppy after minimal use.
Q. Are the bushings precision-fit?
A. Loose bushings affect unit stability. To check:
 Extend the arm to its full length
 Lock the arm brake
 Lift the control head
The unit should remain stable and level with little or no slack.
 Are there friction adjustments on flexing control arms
 How do you adjust the balance of the flexarm?
TOUCHPADS
Q. What functions are you able to operate from the touchpad?
A. A touchpad is about user-friendly operation. It should be intuitive and have direct access
to functions, rather than requiring you to navigate through layers of menus to find what you
want. Look for operation of the following functions:
 Chair
 Light
 Cuspidor bowl rinse and cupfill
 Electric motors
 Scaler
 Pre-set positions for multiple operators
 Remote functions
Q. Does the touchpad have a sealed face?
A. A sealed face protects the touchpad’s internal parts from liquid. If you can easily peel or
remove the touchpad face, liquids will seep underneath and cause damage.

8
Q. is the touchpad’s viewing angle and brightness adjustable?
A. An adjustable contrast allows you to position the touchpad to accommodate easy viewing
from different angles.
Q. Does the touchpad design allow for easy upgrading, repair or
replacement?
A. A touchpad that is a separate piece can be upgraded and easily repaired, ensuring that
equipment does not become obsolete due to touchpad limitations
Q. Is the touchpad easy to cover and clean?
A. Look for a touchpad design that allows barrier protection and has a smooth finish for
easy cleaning.
ASSISTANTS INSTRUMENTATION
Principle elements that you should consider include:
 Instrument positioning
 Visual contact with the oral cavity
 Transfer of instruments
 Range of motion
 Integration
Q. How is your assistant’s instrumentation positioned?
A. Look for a flexible arm with multiple swivel and pivot points for excellent positioning
capability.
Q. Is there an optimal delivery point for assistant’s instrumentation in
the treatment room?
A. Well designed, chair mounted assistant’s instrumentation helps the assistant reduce
twisting and reaching from behind. The optimal delivery point for any assistant’s
instruments is the 12 o’clock position. Additionally rotating worksurfaces allow for even
more convenient instrument positioning.
The A-dec 541/545 round worksurface offers the advantage of additional workspace over
the typical rectangular worksurface. The mobile worksurface:

9
 Provides vertical and horizontal movement for limitless positioning, allowing ample
knee space for the assistant.
 Reduces uncomfortable posture and excessive reaching
 Allows the treatment team to work more efficiently
Q. Are there alternative holder options and configurations?
A. Alternative holder options and configurations offer choices that maximize efficient dental
team workflow. Additional holder assemblies allow mounting of ancillary items, such as,
the curing light and other devices.
Q. Is the assistant’s delivery arm adjustable?
A. Height adjustment accommodates more operators by increasing the range of available
instrument positions.
 Height adjustment should provide a range of 12 inches (300mm) from the arm’s
lowest to highest position. This lets the assistant adjust the arm to easily
accommodate a stand-up or seated procedure.
 Lateral adjustment allows the assistant to reach close along the chair back and
headrest in a forward, backward and side-to-side movement, for easy instrument
positioning and access.
Q. Does the assistant’s delivery support flexible positioning?
A. Flexible positioning enables optimal instrument placement for 2 and 4 handed dentistry,
while also placing the assistant’s delivery instruments within the peripheral vision when
working solo. For example, swiveling holders allow the assistant to independently position
the syringe, vacuum instruments and other devices where they are most comfortable and
accessible, without interfering with instrument transfer or visual or physical oral cavity
access.
Q. Does the assistant’s side have a touchpad?
A. There are two advantages to an assistant’s side touchpad:
 The assistant can control major functions (light On/Off, composite settings, cuspidor
cupfill and bowl rinse and chair positioning), allowing you to maintain focus on the
oral cavity.
 The touchpad serves as a handle for positioning the assistant’s instruments.
Q. How sturdy is the vacuum tubing?

10
A. Tubing that kinks and collapses results in the loss of vacuum pull. Look for tubing such
as A-dec’s, which is designed with a spring in the lining that keeps the vacuum line open
while in use.
Q. Does the HVE valve feature a swivel joint and debris screen at the
tubing connection point?
A. It is important that a swivel joint:
 Prevents the tubing from twisting
 Allows easy access to hard-to-reach areas of the oral cavity.
 Provides flexibility and efficiency by eliminating excessive wrist movement.
CUSPIDORS
Q. Is the cuspidor bowl material designed to prolong appearance?
A. Vitreous china bowls clean up quickly and easily. This extremely hard material
maintains a lifelong appearance that resists stains and will not become absorbent. Glass
bowls are removable, easy to clean and extremely resistant to staining.
Q. Is the cuspidor chair mounted?
A. A chair-mounted cuspidor bowl remains at a constant height in relation to the patient,
even when the chair changes position up and down.
Q. Does the bowl rinse shut off automatically?
A. There are three different types of bowl rinse controls:
 Constant On/Off – Usually left on for convenience. It consumes water unnecessarily
and makes continuous noise.
 Momentary On/Off – Must be held on manually, tying up the assistant for the time it
takes to rinse the bowl
 Timed, Automatic control – Lets you adjust the rinse time to suit your needs.
Conveniently activated by a single touch or the toggle or button, it shuts off
automatically.
Q. Does the touchpad control cuspidor functions?
A. Doctor and assistant touchpad controls should be able to run cuspidor functions, such as
bowl rinse and cupfill.

11
Q. What other features does the cuspidor include?
A. Consider features that add to your productivity and enhance patient comfort, such as:
 Programmable automatic shut off for bowl rinse and cupfill
 Cleanable and removable bowl and rinse spouts
Q. Is the strainer in the cuspidor bowl designed for optimal drainage,
easy maintenance and optimal life?
A. Here’s what to look for:
 Is it metal or plastic? Metal corrodes, plastic will not
 Is it easy to remove the strainer without ever toughing the debris?
Q. Does the rinse water cover the entire bowl when you run the bowl
rinse?
A. It should. A properly directed rinse carries debris down the drain. Bowls that have dry
spots must be hand-rinsed.
ANCILLARY HOUSING
Q. What are the ancillary housing features?
A. A few things to consider:
 Look for a system with the option to purchase an ancillary housing or easily add it
later.
 Check how the system handles access to plumbing, electrical wiring and routing
channels.
 Ask about the ability to integrate a vacuum drain valve, ancillary devices and
amalgam collection devices.

What to look for when buying a dental delivery system

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to What to look for when buying a dental delivery system

Similar to What to look for when buying a dental delivery system (20)

More from A-dec Australia

More from A-dec Australia (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

What to look for when buying a dental delivery system