MOBILE DENTAL CABINETS/CARTS

Your DTR may be equipped with wall-mounted cabinets, mobile cabinets/carts, or a combination of both. They provide the working surface when assisting with dental procedures. Because of infection control, and possible contamination, only disposable or sterilizable items should be placed on the working surfaces. All other items, such as floss dispensers, sharps containers, and miscellaneous equipment and supplies should be stored near by, but out of the field of operation.

Mobile dental cabinets and carts are used to store dental instruments and materials with the top of the cabinet or cart serving as a working surface. Figure 11-17 illustrates a typical mobile cabinet, while figure 11-18 illustrates a mobile dental cart.

The mobile dental cabinet has castors that are on the bottom of the unit. It usually has four drawers and a top that can slide from either front to back or side to side. A recessed area under the movable top provides deep space to store larger items. The drawers provide space for any instruments, supplies, and materials such as topical and local anesthetic, rubber dam equipment, bases, and cements.

The mobile dental cart provides a working surface and can have various attachments for handpieces, the HVE system, and a saliva ejector if equipped.

Figure 11-17.\Mobile dental cabinet.

Figure 11-18.\Mobile dental cart.

Follow the infection control guidelines for disinfection of cabinets and carts.

AMALGAMATORS

An amalgamator is a device used to triturate or mix mercury and amalgam alloy. It has a small electric motor that rotates the forked prongs holding the amalgam capsule in place. Ensure the cover is closed over the forked prongs before the amalgamator is activated to prevent mercury vapors from escaping. The forked prongs move in a figure "8" to triturate the amalgam alloy. Most amalgamators have a variable speed control and timer dials (fig. 11-19). Some newer models use a micro-processor computerized amalgamator that uses magnetic cards to set mixing times. By using various capsules and settings, other materials such as some dental cements can be mixed.

It's important to keep the amalgamator clean. The newer models in use today have an enclosed area in the prong area so the capsules cannot drop down inside the unit. The older models do not have an enclosed area and capsules can fall down inside the unit. If this occurs, first unplug the unit and then you can attempt to retrieve the capsules with a pair of hemostats or cotton forceps. If you are unable to retrieve them, fill out a NAVMED 6700/4 and have a DET remove them. Never turn the amalgamator upside down and attempt to shake them out. This could cause excess

Figure 11-19.\Amalgamators.

mercury from broken capsules from being spilled. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for operation and maintenance.