One of the challenges in any dental office is to minimize the operational costs while maximizing the life cycle of costly equipment. To do this, a simple option is to repair dental equipment rather than making a full repair of the system.
The cost difference between a repair and a replacement can be significant, as the actual dental unit components are relatively inexpensive to purchase. Even with the added cost of the repair service, it is still the best option for most types of equipment.
In determining if replacing worn or failed dental unit components is the best option, consider the following issues that impact the decision.
Age of the Equipment
In some cases, the issue with the dental part or component failure may be covered by the warranty on the equipment. However, even if the equipment is out of warranty, a repair is often the most cost-effective option.
There are some cases, particularly in the case of older equipment, where new features and options may make replacement a reasonable consideration. Before making a final choice, understanding if it is possible to upgrade the features or performance of the existing equipment by installing new dental unit components should also be explored and evaluated.
Availability of Parts and Custom Requirements
Older equipment, custom made dental equipment, or lesser known brands and models of equipment can create a problem for finding replacement parts. When this is the case, look for a dental component manufacturer offering customization for valves, components, and other repair parts.
Most of these companies are able to provide fast turnaround times on custom part requirements. They also make all parts to meet industry standards, and they should be ISO 9001 certified, ensuring a documented quality control process throughout manufacturing.
