5 Tips To Choose The Right Autoclave For Your Dental Clinic

Autoclaves are machines that use steam under elevated pressure and temperature for different processes. You can find this equipment in pharmaceutical and healthcare facilities, including dental clinics. In a dental clinic, an autoclave is used to sterilize dental equipment, such as scalpels, forceps, and scalers using steam, which is why it’s also referred to as steam sterilizers.

Although you can find autoclaves in pretty much any marketplace, the ideal option is to look for a reliable dental equipment supplier. If you're interested in making a purchase, searching for a Leadsonics autoclave for sale would be an excellent first step.

However, take note that there are different kinds of autoclaves. The ones you'll find in a pharmaceutical facility are different from those in a dental clinic. The material, capabilities, and safety mechanisms often vary from one type to another, which is why it's essential to understand the specifications suitable for a dental autoclave before making your purchase.

On that note, below are several tips to help you choose the suitable autoclave for your dental clinic. For the purposes of this guide, we'll be referring to the Class B autoclave as it's the most recommended type of autoclave for dental clinics.

1. Make Sure The Autoclave Is Large Enough

More often than not, larger equipment equates to a higher price. Large pieces of machinery also consume more fuel or electricity, which means not only the price but the operating costs would be higher. This rule applies to most machines, including autoclaves.

Since dental tools are relatively smaller than other healthcare equipment, there's no need to go for big autoclaves as it would also inflate your expenses. For your reference, a Class B autoclave can be small enough to contain only 8 liters or big enough to house as much as 24 liters. Budget-wise, you'd want to go for autoclaves in the lower end of that spectrum since they should be large enough to house all your dental equipment and are generally the cheapest.

Be that as it may, a common practice among dental clinics is to purchase more than one autoclave. Doing so will speed up the sterilization process in case of rush hours. This, however, only applies to clinics with a bit of leeway in their finance. But if you're persistent in minimizing your expenses, the product's brand would be pretty handy.

2. Pay Attention To The Product's Brand

A product's price usually relies on its reliability and quality, but those aren't the only factors to consider. Different brands also have a different ratio between quality and cost.

Chinese brands, for example, are more economically-centered, so they offer autoclaves at a relatively lower price than American brands, despite both brands having the same quality products. As such, if you want to save as much as possible, going for economical brands would be your best bet.

Take note, however, that brands that offer their products at an unreasonably low price often provide poor sales services, which is yet another consideration when choosing an autoclave.

3. Evaluate The Brand's Sales Services

Sales service is pretty much anything a brand does to ensure the customer is satisfied with their purchase. In this scenario, if you buy an autoclave from a particular brand, they'd usually provide a warranty and offer technical service, which is helpful especially if you haven't fully grasped the product's functionalities. Unfortunately, as stated earlier, brands that offer autoclaves at a lower price tend to have poor sales service, which explains the price.

In short, buying from these brands isn't always the best course of action, especially if you have money to splurge into your dental clinic's equipment. Of course, you can't evaluate a brand's sales service directly, so looking for reviews on the internet would be the best course-of-action

4. Check The Autoclave's Sterilization Speed

Autoclave suppliers tend to put a sticker or an indicator of some sort that displays the autoclave specifications. The temperature range would always be standard for class B autoclaves, but the sterilization speed can differ from one product to another.

Naturally, you'd want an autoclave with a high sterilization speed. But as always, these products are typically more expensive. So, first, you have to determine what's best for your clinic.

For instance, if you're running a small or medium dental clinic, getting an autoclave with a decent speed should be more than enough. But if you're running a large clinic, autoclaves with high sterilization speed would be the most suitable choice.

5. Look For Additional Functionalities

Although it's not a necessity, functionalities such as printers and driers would go a long way in improving the overall quality of your dental practice. Hence, if you're not tight on budget, considering looking for autoclaves that have additional accessories and functionalities.

Final Words

When it comes to autoclaves, there's no one-size-fits-all; the perfect product for your competitors may not be suitable for your clinic. The best autoclave depends on your aim, your clinic's size, and whether your focus is on being economical or practical. These tips should help you determine what's best for your clinic.