The Patient Centered Dental-Health Home 2023-2026 - 56

Dental Equipment
Handpiece: Essential
The handpiece is an air or electrically powered
rotary instrument used by the dentist in cutting and
polishing operations. Handpieces may be high- or
low-speed, electric or air driven.
We recommend fitting highspeed
handpieces with a
fiber-optic light source to
provide better visibility
and access for tooth
preparation. You'll
need to have a
sufficient number of
both high- and lowspeed
handpieces
to allow patient
treatment volume
and sterilization after
each use. More and
more manufacturers are
trying to balance function
and ergonomics. Since the
use of handpieces is a very repetitive activity,
ergonomically designed handpieces can help reduce
stress and wear to the joints and connective tissue
of the hand. Electric handpieces lead this field.
Junction Box: Essential
EXPERT ADVICE:
With more dental graduates using electric
handpieces in the school environment
and the fact that electric handpieces
are very quiet, which means less stress
especially for younger patients, we
recommend considering these as an
appropriate alternative.
Fiber Optic Light Source:
Recommended
This is a system that transfers light along tubes to
the head of the high-speed handpiece. The light
helps the dentist better view the area of the tooth
that is being prepared. Several very cost-effective
brands exist.
56
The junction box, J-Box, or utility center is the
termination point for all of the utilities (compressed
air, fresh water, electricity, central vacuum system,
and drain) needed to operate dental equipment in
the treatment room. It is located under the foot of
the chair if the delivery unit is mounted to the chair
or in cabinetry for rear or side-delivery systems.
Dental Light: Essential
The dental light is for creating
optimum visibility of the
oral cavity. We recommend
LED lights which are cool
(generate less heat), with
good color mixing and a
clear light pattern. Dental
lights can be attached to
the dental chair on a swing or
traditional mounting, attached
to side cabinetry, attached directly
to the ceiling or track-mounted to the ceiling. You
will need to know the height of the ceiling in order
to choose the right track-mounted light.
www.henryschein.com/sm
23SM2038
Intraoral Camera:
Recommended
The intraoral camera enables the
dentist to record and show the
patient the actual condition
of the mouth and teeth.
The camera is the size of a
toothbrush and can be easily
moved around the mouth to
capture various angles of the
teeth and tissue. Intraoral
camera images enhance the
patient's ability to understand
and accept the need for
treatment while documenting
the justification for treatment
recommendations and decisions.
Some insurance companies now
require such images as documentation
for requests for prior authorization for
treatment and proof of treatment.
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The Patient Centered Dental-Health Home 2023-2026

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