Select the Best Self Contained Portable Dental Delivery System

Updated on 12/14/20 –

It may seem daunting when reviewing various brands of portable dental units to try and choose the best self-contained dental unit with a compressor. Prices can vary widely from pricing that seems too good to be true to more expensive units, and yet it’s not always clear how well they work. The purpose of this article is to simplify your purchase decision, explain some of the mechanical features, and layout what to look for when comparing/reviewing different models for your office or your portable dentistry practice.

Look for these specific features when evaluating a portable dental delivery system:

Minimal Vibration
One of the most overlooked but significant characteristics of evaluating a mobile dental delivery unit is vibration. An ideal system will have a powerful compressor and vacuum system, meaning the motors could generate enough shaking to cause sound and make the work surface unusable if the instruments and trays vibrate excessively. A well-designed unit will ensure that the vibration is minimal to allow dental procedures and working from trays without interruption.

High Grade Portable Compressor and Vacuum Pumps
Greater precision comes with higher quality pumps. The dynamic balancing of the motors and piston will make them run smoother. This smoother operation is the key to beginning with proper construction to eliminate vibration at its source.

Engineered Isolation Mounts
The best way to mount pumps requires not only a stable and secure connection to keep the pumps from moving around but also the need to eliminate transfer of vibration from the pumps to the chassis. Rubber mounts do a fine job of securing the pump but don’t do very well at absorbing vibration. Improved dynamic mounting is of higher quality and eliminates a high percentage of vibration.

Solid and Robust Construction Materials
Units that have poor construction or use flimsy materials will not handle vibration well and will cause problems. A well-built portable dental unit will be not only constructed of high-grade components but will also have thicker walls and materials. Units should use aluminum or an equivalent type of construction to keep them lighter yet stronger. To properly absorb vibration, be cautious of units that are too small or lightweight.

Sound Performance
Many in the dental field have heard inexpensive, poorly designed dental units with air compressors can be very loud. A well-engineered portable dental system should be quiet and operate under 48 decibels measured right next to the system. However, sound can be elusive, and decibels don’t always truly represent sound. There is no standardized testing certification used to compare brands to the sound levels they claim. So, the best way to find out the sound of the system would be to hear it in person. If that is not practical, then either listen to a video of the operating system or get a recommendation from someone you trust that has heard the systems.

Suction Performance
One of the most challenging design areas for a mobile dental unit to create is the powerful suction desired for dental procedures. It needs to provide high flow with moderate strength to pick up debris, effectively capture water coolant, and pull viscous solutions through smaller tubings like the saliva ejector or surgical tips. To adequately perform restorative procedures, the system should be able to power the high-volume suction and be able to extract liquid through the saliva ejector simultaneously. When comparing units, evaluate the suction strength of both the high volume and saliva ejector handpieces when used together so that you know if you have a well-designed portable dental suction system.

Suction Canister Size
The size of the suction canister should allow for a standard day of procedures with regular rinsing during treatment. Generally, a good baseline is that the canister should hold around two to three liters of liquid. The canister should prevent overflowing by shutting off the vacuum when full and should have an indicator light to let staff know to empty the system.

Purging Ability
Consider a hands-free solution to emptying the contents of the suction canister through a pump and discharge hose system. Use a purge system to discharge directly into a sink basin or a convenient quick disconnect connected to the plumbing drain system. Once emptied, readily rinse the system by evacuating clean water and then clean overnight by suctioning an enzymatic cleaner that breaks down the proteins in blood and saliva.

Compressed Air and Handpiece Performance
When evaluating a portable dental unit with a compressor, make sure that the internal air compressor provided can produce enough airflow at the right pressure to operate air-driven dental turbine handpieces properly. Don’t be tricked into using horsepower to try and compare models. Unfortunately, horsepower ratings have a wide range of latitude, and marketing companies have used the HP rating to trick many consumers into believing one model has more power than another. Find out if the system you are evaluating can adequately run common brands of dental turbine handpieces for an extended period without pressure dropping.

Aesthetics and Working Easily with the System
It is necessary for the system you will be using to look like a professional piece of dental equipment that delivers high-quality care since it is in an office setting. Look for systems that have enclosures made of quality materials and finished in a way that looks modern with rounded corners and edges. Work surfaces should provide an adequate working area and provide an easy to clean, attractive appearance. As a mobile cart, it should roll easily with high-grade casters. Other considerations are ensuring that the dental unit has non-clinging and non-stiff dental tubings and that handpiece holders should be modern, rounded, and easy to clean.

Electrical Requirements
A well-designed self-contained dental unit should be able to operate from a standard electrical outlet without overloading the circuit even with both pumps running at the same time.

Testing Lab Approval
Ensure that the model you select has a UL certification by an approved testing lab. Knowing that all the electrical components, wiring, switches are high quality assembled correctly will give you peace of mind.

Dental Water Supply and Water Line Disinfection
Current requirements are mandating disinfection of the water lines in dental delivery units to remove the biofilm that can grow inside the small diameter tubings. Tablets and other chemicals can clog or damage mobile dental delivery unit components and require consistent management to ensure the removal of biofilm. An ideal self-contained dental unit should have a water line disinfection cartridge that can be part of the bottle system so that no daily maintenance is required. Since these cartridges can be expensive, select a system with a tandem water supply that gives ample water supply for a full day’s procedures but only requires one cartridge to filter both bottles.

Amalgam Separation
If you are using the portable dental unit for restorative procedures such as removing old amalgam fillings, the suction system will need the ability to use an amalgam separator. The unit can purge through the amalgam separator to collect the heavy metals. The amalgam separator must receive testing and approval by a certifying agency to meet state and EPA regulations. Verify that the model you use provides a certified separator option.

Nitrous Oxide Scavenging
In-office use of a self-contained dental unit will often require the ability to use the portable dental suction to connect to the nitrous patient mask to scavenge off the excess gas. Check to ensure that the portable dental system has the optional capability to be used for nitrous exhaust scavenging.

Please visit our Portable Performance Page on ASI Dental’s line of advanced mobile dental delivery system technology.

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