Dental Suction Comparison: Sizing Criteria – Part 1

Today, we are beginning wrapping up our series on comparing the different types of Dental Vacuum systems on the market. The next two segments will be summarizing the information we discussed over the series by using our new knowledge to determine which vacuum we need based on specific information about a clinic.

When choosing a vacuum for a clinic, determining the size of the system you require is the most important step. To determine the size, you will have to understand the term Dental User. Today we will explain the importance of sizing a vacuum based on the user’s demand for vacuum.

Number of Users

As we described in the definition segment of this series, a user is a High-volume ejector (HVE) or two Saliva ejectors (SE). When sizing your vacuum pump, something to consider is the number of users. A quick way to calculate this is knowing the following; Number of chairs, number of Doctors, and number of Hygienists.   When you determine the number of users, you now have to figure out the size of the vacuum.

Typically, the rule of thumb when sizing a vacuum; for every user, you need a 1/2 horsepower pump.

Example –

Number of Chairs = 6

Number of Doctors = 2

Number of Hygienists = 4

The clinic above is a six chair, four user clinics. This means they will need a vacuum system that is a minimum of two horsepower.

If the Hygienists were to follow the recent post-COVID procedures of using HVEs or if the Dentists use more HVEs, then the dynamic changes. As long as it is remembered, for every HVE that is in use, there needs to be 1/2HP in the pump’s motor, then the clinic will never need for more vacuum. 

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Next week we will be wrapping up the series by explaining how the existing or future infrastructure of a clinic can determine the type and size of the vacuum system you require.