Thank you for following our series on steps in capturing aerosol at the oral cavity. One of the hottest topics in the Dental Industry is the reduction of aerosols in a dental operatory. BaseVac is sharing our solutions that capture most of the aerosols generated during a dental procedure.
In the past few weeks, we have introduced how capturing aerosols is a multi-staged process, one done with a strong vacuum and an effective extra oral system. To date, BaseVac has discussed the first step in reducing aerosols, which is a strong dental vacuum. Today, we will be continuing that discussion by explaining the importance of knowing the number of users in your clinic and the role it has when choosing the right vacuum system.
How many total users are used at one time?
The significance of this question is to ensure we know that the size of the vacuum pump we recommend that will service the whole clinic at one time.
Let us use the example of a 4-chair clinic, one that uses 6 HVE at any given time. BaseVac would use the calculation of ½ hp per user, which gives us the answer of 3 total hp needed for this clinic. Knowing this information, we would suggest a unit that most closely fits the vacuum demand, rounding up to the closest hp to allow for power redundancy. In this clinic’s case, we would recommend our dual 2hp vacuum system (2HD 4.40), as it will provide enough power to run 8 total users simultaneously.
A 2HD4.40 vacuum should be able to serve 8 HVE values being used all at once. Please keep in mind, we are not suggesting that a funnel be attached to an extra HVE valve, left open, then used as an extraoral system. Where stronger suction from a BaseVac is useful, is when you are using more recently popular "3-4 hand" dentistry items, such as; Isolite, PureVac, and Nu Bird. These devices are increasing the suction demands of a clinic, as hygienists are moving from SE to HVE. The extra demand is met by a stronger vacuum. When vacuum demand is low, our 2HD4.40 can have one motor alternated, to prolong the life of the motors. One motor can provide enough vacuum for four simultaneous users. When demand is high, both motors can be turned on to provide the maximum amount of vacuum possible, serving eight simultaneous users.
A Recent Example
A recent example of an undersized clinic came to us recently. A clinic with the total chairs was sold a dual 1 hp wet dental vacuum system (4 users). Pre-COVID, this pump would more than service the clinic. Post-COVID, the office went from a 3-4 user clinic to a 9-user clinic. Each operatory is now using an HVE, a Dry Shield, and nitrous, making each operatory a 3-user chair. New procedures have left this clinic severely undersized, crippled by the lack of suction.
BaseVac avoids these failures in two ways;
1) We asked the right questions to ensure the clinic is sized properly
2) All BaseVac systems are upgradable, ensuring no matter what your clinic’s future holds, your BaseVac system can grow with you.
Follow Us
Now we have determined the number of users in your clinic, which has dictated the size of the vacuum your clinic requires to service those users. Follow us next week to discuss how the diameter of your vacuum lines can determine if your current infrastructure can support the vacuum demand you require.