Figure 11-2. - Dental chair, unit, and light
Figure 11-3. - Headrest styles.
Perform the following Level I maintenance on the dental delivery systems:
Perform an operational check before seating your first patient of the day.
Look for air, water, and oil leaks and broken or missing parts.
Ensure the exterior surface is clean and the upholstery is in good condition, with no tears or other damage.
Clean the chair daily with a soft cloth dampened with soapy water. Dry the chair thoroughly with a clean soft cloth.
Two types of dental units used in Navy dentistry are the mobile and chair-mounted types. chair-mounted is the most common type in use. Most units provide the basic utilities for dental treatment including water, compressed air, electricity, and vacuum. It may also include handpiece controls, foot controls, a bracket tray, tubing flush system, 3-way syringes, cuspidor, and a suction apparatus. The unit should be designed so that it is compact and doesn't occupy space needed by the assistant. Hose-attached equipment, such as handpieces, syringes, and oral evacuation devices, should be conveniently positioned to both the provider and the assistant.
As with the dental chair, begin each day by making a visual inspection and operational check of the unit. During the inspection, first look for obvious problem areas, such as frayed electrical wiring, missing screws, and water leaks. Then conduct an operational check for each system. For example, you can test the water, air, electrical, and vacuum systems by operating the 3-way syringe, fiber-optic handpiece, dental light, and saliva ejector.
Many dental units operate with water that comes from the clinic's main water line. With the emphasis on infection control and the advances in dental equipment, the Navy is replacing older dental units and purchasing new units that have self-contained water systems. A malfunctioning water system affects the operation of the 3-way syringe, cuspidor, cup filler, and handpiece water spray. If any of these items fail to work, first make sure that the necessary valves and switches are turned on. If you can't solve the problem at this point, read the manufacturer's instructions before continuing. Water leaks are usually the result of loose connections or defective washers and valves. When necessary, have the DET replace any defective parts.
The The new self-contained water systems are designed so you can optimize the quality of your dental unit water. The benefits from this system only occur when periodic system flushing and disinfection procedures are followed. Failure to follow the procedures for the type of self-contained water system you use may expose patients to water with higher than normal microbe counts. Most systems can use either tap, distilled, or sterile water to operate. Do not use saline solutions, mouthrinses, or any chemical solutions. These solutions may damage the water
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