Maintenance Check List for Dental Equipment & Dental Clinic
These are the checks that the team should be done on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. The checks suggested are based on experience and guidelines. The checklist must be modified with reference to manufacturer’s suggestions and the experience gained during operations.
Taking care of dental equipment is crucial in maintaining a dental clinic that is efficient, hygienic, and comfortable for patients such as Align & Smile Dental Care NOIDA. Keeping a maintenance checklist for dental equipment will help ensure that procedures run smoothly, minimize downtime, and extend the lifespan of the equipment.
The importance of regular maintenance of dental equipment cannot be overstated. At Align & Smile Dental Care Noida, we organize well-maintained instruments and machines for overall functionality and efficiency of the dental clinic. Regular inspections and cleaning of the equipment help to prevent breakdowns, reduce the risk of cross-contamination, and keep them in optimal operating environment.
A maintenance checklist for dental equipment may include items such as inspecting the air compressor, suction system, autoclave, and X-ray machine, cleaning and sterilizing trays and other instruments, maintaining the dental chairs, and restocking supplies. By performing these tasks regularly, the dental clinic can ensure that patients receive the best possible care and experience.
Below is a list of the tools/ equipment that would be needed for maintenance purposes:
– Screwdrivers (flathead, Phillips)
– Pliers (needle-nose, cutting)
– Wrenches (adjustable, socket)
– Hammers (claw, rubber)
– Measuring tape
– Multimeter
– Safety goggles
– Work gloves
– Extension cords
– Ladders
Below is a list of the accessaries that would be needed for maintenance purposes:
- Handpiece lube and cleaner.
- Compressor oil and filters.
- Sterilizer cleaner, spare gaskets, and filters
- Vacuum line cleaner.
- Vacuum traps and screens.
- Spare chuck/turbine, bur tool for handpieces.
- Air/water syringe repair kit.
- Spare bulbs (handpiece, curing light, dental lights).
- Spare handpieces.
- Handpiece gaskets and O-rings.
- fittings, connectors, gaskets, and O-ring kits.
This list is informative and help to ensure the smooth running of the facilities.
Below is a list of the dental equipment needed to be maintained.
(It is specific to Align & Smile Dental Care NOIDA)
Dental Chair Confident 2208061
X- Ray Camera
X-Ray RVG
Compressor
Dental Chair 2
Scanner
Scanner Compatible Laptop
Laptop
Autoclave
Security System with 4 Cameras
Auto Cameras with Chip
List office tools and plants to be maintained in dental clinic but not limited to.
TV
Ceiling Fan
Exhaust FAN
Pedestal Fan
AC
Telephone and Wi-Fi Airtel
Furniture
Desk Normal
Reception Desk
Small Desk
Office Chair
Other Furniture
Normal Chair
RO
Water Dispenser
Lights and electrification
LED Light
LED Small Lights
Small Tube light
Focus Lights
Drawer Table
Operatory Rack
Display Boards
Doors and Partitions glass
Inviter
Fridge
Tiles
Washroom
Sterilization Room
Fire Extinguisher
Screens and Wallpaper Cosmetics
The Check List for Dental Equipment
These are the checks that the team should be done on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. The checks suggested are based on experience and guidelines. The checklist must be modified with reference to manufacturer’s suggestions and the experience gained during operations.
General Check Points for Maintenance team
- Be observant. Note any equipment which exhibits unusual behavior, such as loud or abnormal noises or an unusual appearance/discoloration.
- Keep owner’s manuals for all equipment in a secure place.
- Consult owner’s manuals for manufacturer’s recommended maintenance and supplement the list above accordingly.
- Check with local authorities for your requirements. May consult supplier / manufacturer for getting the list of such requirements.
- Be aware of seasonal tendencies for extremes of heat, cold and humidity, and the effect these extremes can have on specific pieces of equipment.
- It may be helpful to have primary equipment wired to a master switch to simplify turning on in the morning and off at night.
- Be mindful of critical equipment and always have spares of the following on hand:
- Light bulbs for operating lights and curing lights.
- Filters for air and water lines
- Replacement screens/traps for central vacuum
- Fuses for chairs, sterilizer, processor, etc.
- Hydraulic fluid (if you have hydraulic chairs)
- Compressor oil
- Have a back-up plan in case of failure of compressor, vacuum or sterilizer. Having a smaller secondary unit on hand that can be “hot-swapped” temporarily can keep you up and running.
- Have a contingency plan in case of failure of computer system.
- Identify the contact persons / firms for helping in cases of failures.
IMPORTANT
Save all equipment invoices for reference and warranty.
Keep maintenance log (especially for handpiece and equipment picked up/sent for repair).
Save copies of all service work orders.
Save booklets, manuals, troubleshooting guides, etc., for all equipment.
Maintain check sheets for the equipment.
Dental Equipment Maintenance Checks ( as being followed at Align & Smile Dental Care NOIDA)
One of the most important things one can do for overall health is to maintain good dental hygiene.
To ensure that teeth are in great condition, one should also invest in the right dental equipment. Proper dental equipment, such as brushes, floss, and mouthwash, provide a comprehensive and thorough cleaning, removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, and many others.
The upkeep of equipment requires use of tested quality procedure to follow for maintaining the equipment for effective and efficient use.
At the beginning of each day
Clean handpieces and syringes
If possible, perform these steps using an ultrasonic cleaner or steam sterilizer.
Inspect the water supply and ensure it is adequate and clean.
Ensure that all parts of the machine have been thoroughly cleaned prior to use.
Check for leaks around the unit and make sure there’s no debris lodged inside.
Also check for signs of corrosion, which can indicate potential problems.
Top up the ultrasonic cleaning tank – using a sterile container
add some distilled water to help prevent mineral build-up.
Check the suction tubing for kinks or obstructions. Remove blockage if any.
Clean the dental unit and surrounding area.
Wipe down all surfaces on and around the dental unit including the floor under the sink where the machine sits.
Sanitize all equipment and surfaces by using a sanitizer solution such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Make sure rinsing everything thoroughly after using each instrument.
Make sure all waste containers are empty and clean.
Make sure you have a place to dispose of used needles and other medical equipment safely.
Switch on the air compressor systems and master water valve
At the end of each day
Check for upkeep of dental autoclave.
The most common cause of failure in a dental autoclave is debris built up within the steam chamber.
Clean equipment using disinfectant.
This includes cleaning instruments such as scalers, ultrasonic units, drills, etc., in addition to other items that may need regular cleaning, including handpieces, suction tubing, light bulbs, mirrors and chairs. Disinfectants are available over the counter from pharmacies and supermarkets.
Wipe down work surfaces.
Wipe all surfaces with an anti-bacterial wipe or cloth.
Turn off cylinders, if any, in use.
Store equipment in a dry place.
This includes any instruments that may meet saliva or blood such as drills, burs, saws, etc. They must always be stored away from direct sunlight. Dental offices often have cabinets specifically designed for storing these items.
Clean and lubricate valves and O-rings.
This applies to HVEs and saliva ejector valves. You would need to disassemble the parts so that you could clean all surfaces thoroughly.
Empty and clean ultrasonic machine.
Cleaning the machine removes any debris left over by previous surgeries. Remember to unplug the power supply before draining the solution.
Switch off all delivery units.
Power down your equipment and instruments including all x-rays, scalers, air polishers, vacuum, sterilizers, air compressor systems, etc.
Re-stock supplies as necessary
Check for stock levels and restock with new items where needed. If an autoclave is being used, ensure that there is enough water available for steam generation during the sterilization cycle.
At the end of each day, it’s good practice to check your stock levels and replenish as necessary for the next day.
Weekly Tasks
Clean steam sterilizer
The most common cause of failure is debris building up within the steam chamber which can lead to clogging and overheating. Ensure adequate ventilation so no smoke is produced.
- Clean interior and exterior of sterilizer(s), including reservoir. Check autoclave safety valve by pulling on the ring with pliers (it should spring back).
- Check sterilizer filters and perform a spore test.
- Verify sterilizer is level.
Clean and lubricate suction components.
Devices such as HVE and Canister need to be disassembled and cleaned regularly with vacuum line cleaners. The tubing and delivery unit traps should also be checked periodically for leaks or signs of wear and tear – replacement if necessary.
Check the electrical cords for wear and tear.
Check the length of any cord that connects your instruments together.
Check oil on compressors and drain tank.
- Check chairside trap screens and lid O-rings for wear and replace if necessary. Be certain to securely replace the lid of the trap afterward.
- Check and replace or clean out central vacuum and main waterline filters.
Monthly Tasks
Maintenance points
- Perform extended cleaning of X-ray processor per manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Special cleaning solution may be required as well.
- Check/clean plaster trap.
- Check emergency resuscitation equipment.
- Lubricate joints in operating lights, sterilizer door hinges, air/water syringe buttons, and other similar items around the office.
- Clean Pan or Cephas X-ray screens with a screen cleaner.
- Using heat-resistant PPE, check sterilizer safety valve while under pressure … and check sterilizer door for plumb.
- Check air and water filters in junction boxes.
Check HVEs and saliva ejector valves for wear and tear.
Check the valve body for any cracks or damage which may allow germs into the system; remove the rubber gasket around the valve stem and inspect it for holes or tears in the material.
Inspect equipment for wear and tear.
Maintain x-ray intensifying screens.
It’s important to maintain a quality image on your x-rays. Screens are cleaned using an intensifying screen cleaner, while cassettes can be wiped down with alcohol swabs.
Replace your filters.
Filters are an important part of maintaining a healthy environment within the office. They should be changed monthly depending on how often they become clogged with debris from patients’ mouths. The manufacturer’s instructions must always be followed when replacing these filters.
Check intensity of curing light
If you notice that the light is too bright and causes discomfort, it may indicate that the bulb needs replacement. Too much heat during polymerization could also cause damage to the teeth; if this occurs, then the dentist should replace the lamp immediately.
Check sterilizer pressure relief valve.
This device allows air or gas in the chamber to escape as necessary so that the vaporized solvent does not build up inside the unit until the time comes for its use. It can easily become clogged with debris from dental procedures, which would prevent proper functioning. Therefore, it is important to check on a regular basis whether any residue has built up around the vent opening.
Yearly tasks
Make sure that all handpiece connections are tight and free from debris.
Calibrate equipment.
Periodic calibration is needed for some instruments such as ultrasonic scalers and lasers because they are sensitive apparatus whose accuracy depends upon their precise alignment with respect to each other. They may also be affected by temperature and humidity changes as well as ageing of their components.
Calibration ensures that all of these devices work at maximum efficiency throughout their useful life span. Other dental equipment that requires annual calibration are x-ray equipment, intraoral cameras, light curing units, etc.
When in doubt whether your equipment needs calibration, consult the manufacturer’s equipment specialist team.
Check sterilizer door.
Door seals on the sterilizer can become brittle over time due to exposure to steam or moisture. This causes them to crack and leak which results in contamination of the interior environment of the instrument tray. The solution is to replace any cracked seal immediately.
Check handpiece delivery system.
Handpieces have rubber tubing attached to them with an airtight connection. If this connection fails, then there will be no pressure inside the tube causing fluid to drip out when used. Check that all connections are tight and free from debris. Also check that both ends of the tubing are sealed tightly against the handpiece by pressing down firmly.
Check intra-oral x-rays for drift.
Drift occurs when the radiation beam does not stay on the same spot as before but moves slightly towards or away from the patient’s mouth. It can occur if the machine has been moved around during use.
Check air abrasion units.
The unit should have two small tubes at one end which allow water to flow through them, so you need to make sure they are periodically topped up to prevent drying in between uses. Air abraded surfaces need to dry completely after each use. The unit needs to be cleaned and filled with fresh water every 6 months.
Check oil filters on the vacuum system.
If this gets clogged it is recommended that you change them at least once per year.
- Have fire extinguisher(s) inspected.
- Observe a complete sterilization cycle, looking for any signs of malfunction, such as a steam leak.
- Conduct staff OSHA training.
- Review emergency procedures with staff—how to handle patient emergencies as well as what to do in case of fire, etc.
- Have X-ray equipment inspected, calibrated and certified (requirements vary—maybe as infrequently as once every five years).
Why Dental Equipment Check Lists ? - Align & Smile Dental Care
Dental equipment checklists are essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of dental procedures. They provide a systematic approach to inspecting and maintaining equipment, which helps to prevent equipment failures and minimize downtime. Routine checks can also help to identify potential hazards that could endanger patients or staff members.
At ‘Align & Smile Dental Care’ – NOIDA, we are committed to providing patients with the highest level of care. Our use of thorough equipment checklists is just one way that we strive to achieve this goal. By staying vigilant and taking a proactive approach to equipment maintenance, we are able to minimize the risk of equipment malfunctions and provide a safe environment for patients and staff alike.
