Every new dental practice needs to have a comprehensive set of essential equipment to be able to open its doors and serve its clients, but this may feel easier said than done. As a new practice owner or practice manager, you may find that you are still finding your feet and learning on the job, and that’s okay. All you need is a couple of extra pointers, and you’ll be up and running in no time at all.
To make sure that the stress doesn’t get the better of you, we’ve put together an easy-to-follow checklist that will guide you through everything you need to know.
Core Operational Equipment
These are the key pieces of equipment that are simply non-negotiable, and the likelihood is that you are already aware of them. That said, a quick recap and refresher is never a bad idea when you have so many things on your to-do list right now. Here are the key pieces of operational equipment your practice has to have:
- A fully adjustable dental chair so that dental professionals and patients are comfortable
- Instrument storage so that everything your team needs is always ready and easily accessible
- Adjustable dental lighting that allows your dental team to get the right angle of illumination in every instance
- A spittoon and suction unit system that allows you to work cleanly, efficiently, and hygienically at all times
Making sure that each of these is sourced from a specialist dental equipment supplier will ensure that you can build your practice on the right foundations.
Advanced Imaging & Scanning Equipment
Gone are the days when a dental practice would rely on nothing more than a selection of adjustable handheld mirrors to gain a good view. Today, virtually every practice will be equipped with an intraoral camera that allows the dental team to capture high-quality images for the purposes of diagnostics and to show patients what they are looking at. Dental X-ray machines and sensors are also vitally important, especially for looking for fine-structure damage and for diagnosing issues below the gums.
Essential Procedural Equipment
Dental handpieces come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with a specific purpose in mind. With the use of different attachments, they can be used for polishing and preparation, while a micro motor design will offer lower speed applications as well. Ergonomic handles and even weight distribution will ensure that the practicing dentist has the highest degree of control, allowing them to focus on what they do best without ever having to compromise.
Consumables & Dental Accessories
This may feel like the part of our guide that will never end, not least of all because you have to constantly restock and replenish your consumables. Having a detailed list and a process in place for reordering will make sure that you are always prepared for every eventuality. Here are the key items that your practice simply has to have:
- Bonding agents, composites, and other materials for fillings and repair work
- Ultrasonic scalers that are designed to efficiently strip away plaque and calculus
- Gloves, face masks, and other PPE for both patients and the dental care team
- Plastic cups for rinsing stations, paper towels, and first aid items as necessary
By taking a proactive approach to sourcing and ordering these items, you can make sure that the fundamentals of the practice continue to run smoothly in the background. Exactly what’s needed when you want to be able to focus on improving the level of patient care across all levels.
Additional Specialist Equipment
Investing in a dental compressor is essential, as it will provide a reliable and consistent supply of compressed air that many other pieces of equipment will need. A dedicated sterilisation system is always very important, and it needs to be easy for junior hygienists to operate so that your practice is always ready for the next wave of patients.
In addition, having a plentiful supply of handheld instruments is important, with duplicates providing greater flexibility, especially when you are dealing with a high volume of patients on a daily basis.
The Importance Of Reviewing Your Checklist
The dental industry will continue to evolve and grow so that it can adapt to the needs of patients. This means that new equipment and technology will continually come to market, and it’s the responsibility of the practice manager to make sure everything is considered. Regularly reviewing your dental equipment checklist is the only way to ensure that the rest of the team has everything they need to focus on what they do best.