In 2018, I went on a business trip to the Philippines and visited my dentist friend. Her second-hand dental chair had been in use for 13 years but still looked almost 80% new.
The service life of a dental chair can vary depending on factors such as quality, maintenance, and frequency of use.
Typically, a well-maintained dental chair can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years or more. Regular maintenance, proper cleaning, and timely repairs can significantly extend the lifespan of a dental chair.
So what should we do daily cleaning and maintenance? Here are guidelines for cleaning and maintaining dental chairs, including recommended maintenance frequency.
Even though we take good care of it, dental chairs like any medical equipment can encounter various issues.
Compared with dental chairs with hydraulic systems, the structure and working principle of electric dental chairs are relatively simple. You can quickly self-diagnose the cause of a malfunction and replace spare parts to avoid delaying the clinic’s business.
Some common problems that may arise with dental chairs include:
1. Mechanical failure: Motors, foot pedals, pneumatic rods, and other components may wear out over time, causing problems such as abnormal noise, difficulty adjusting the height or position of the chair, uneven movement, or complete inoperability.
2. Electrical circuits/operating systems: Electrical components such as switches, wiring, and control panels may experience problems such as short circuits, loose connections, or component failures. This can cause problems with the chair’s electronic functions, including the operation of lights, motors, and integrated instruments.
3. Valve: The valve controls the normal operation of the water and gas circuits. It is a consumable part and needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly. For example, the solenoid valve is aging or blocked, causing water and air leakage.
Failure to clean up all kinds of liquids, debris, and pollutants generated during the operation in time will cause the valve body to become clogged and the sealing ring to be damaged, resulting in water leakage and insufficient air supply.
4. Pipes: Water and gas pipelines are made of PVC/ABS raw materials. As the use time increases, they will gradually age and can be replaced regularly according to the actual aging progress.
“Proactive maintenance, regular inspections, timely troubleshooting, and periodic replacement and repair of worn-out parts are essential for the normal operation of dental treatment chairs and the prevention of infection transmission.”
Here is a list of common problems, their causes, troubleshooting, and solutions.
When we encounter a dental chair failure, we must first record it, investigate the cause ourselves, and contact the manufacturer for guidance if necessary.
Common spare parts that need to be replaced, you can also keep some at the clinic for repairs.
- Systems: control board and keyboard
- Motor, Gas Spring, 3-way syringe
- Valve (Especially the handpiece holder valve), Solenoid valve, Air filter pressure reducing valve, water filter
- Tubes: Handpiece tubes
- Water bottle, suction filter
Maintenance of dental chairs is crucial for their performance and longevity. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent wear and malfunctions, ensuring a hygienic and safe working environment.
Additionally, you can learn specific maintenance steps and techniques, such as how to clean different components and which cleaning agents to use. This knowledge is essential for ensuring the long-term use of dental chairs and improving clinic efficiency.
