MAINTENANCE WORK ORDERS

The Medical/Dental Maintenance Work Order (NAVMED 6700/4) shown in figure 11-1, or BIOFACS work orders are used to determine workload and assign priorities for the DETs. Dental technicians who have equipment that does not properly function will complete the top section of the NAVMED 6700/4. The form is then turned in to the dental repair department for action. Depending upon the DETs' workload, they may assign you a functioning piece of equipment on a loan basis until the equipment repairs are completed.

DENTAL DELIVERY SYSTEM

The operation and maintenance of the dental delivery system (DDS) which consists of a chair, unit, and light (fig. 11-2) are critical to the performance of dentistry. You must know how to properly use, maintain, and make minor adjustments to a dental chair, unit, and light to avoid unnecessary delays. Because of the many different makes and models used in Navy dentistry, always read the manufacturer's instructions on the operation and maintenance for the make and model of the equipment you are using. Procedures for chemical disinfection of the DDS are discussed in Dental Technician, Volume I, Chapter 10, "Sterilization and Disinfection."

DENTAL CHAIR

As the dental assistant, it is your responsibility to seat the patient and make chair adjustments smoothly, and assure the patient is placed in the correct position for treatment and is comfortable.

Operation

Begin each day by making a visual inspection and an operational check of the dental chair. The dental chair is electronically controlled and hydraulically powered. An electronic motor drives the hydraulic pumps enabling the back of the chair to tilt and the base of the chair to lift. The movements are controlled by switches located on the back of the chair. More recent models use foot controls for infection control purposes.

Most dental chairs have movable armrests that either slide back or raise up to provide easier patient entry and exit. Generally, some form of a release button locks and unlocks the armrest. A swivel/brake device allows the dental chair to rotate to approximately 45 degrees from either side of the center and then lock into position.

Dental chairs are equipped with either an articulating or a horseshoe-style headrest (fig. 11-3). The articulating headrest allows you to move the patient's head in approximately a 60 arc. It is adjusted by a release button located on the backside of the headrest. The horseshoe-style headrest is adjusted by pushing or pulling down on the headrest. The horseshoe headrest may also have an adjustable strap on the backside to make up and down movements of the horseshoe.

Securing the Dental Delivery System

Procedures for securing the dental delivery system are as follows:

Place chair in the lowest position.

Raise the back to the upright position.

Place the armrest in the locked position.

Turn off the master switch.

Figure 11-1.\Medical/Dental Maintenance Work Order, NAVMED 6700/4.

Figure 11-2.\Dental chair, unit, and light.

Figure 11-3.\Headrest styles.

Level I Maintenance

Perform the following Level I maintenance on the dental delivery systems:

Perform an operational check before seating your first patient of the day.

partsLook for air, water, and oil leaks and broken or missing parts.

Ensure the exterior surface is clean and the upholstery is in good condition, with no tears or other damage.

Clean the chair daily with a soft cloth dampened with soapy water. Dry the chair thoroughly with a clean soft cloth.