Regardless of the purchasing process a school-based dental sealant program is required to follow, it is important to determine which brand and model of each piece of dental equipment china best meets the program’s needs.
Some dental manufacturers sell directly to programs, and some distribute equipment through dental suppliers. All dental manufacturers publish a manufacturer’s recommended retail price, which includes an established profit margin for the manufacturer, and, when appropriate, for the dental supplier. Also, some manufacturers publish discounted institutional prices for government and nonprofit agencies.
All retail prices should be considered negotiable. Institutional prices may be negotiable depending on the volume of the purchase and the profit margin the manufacturer has established.
All retail prices should be considered negotiable. Institutional prices may be negotiable depending on the volume of the purchase and the profit margin the manufacturer has established.
It may be preferable to purchase as many pieces of equipment as possible from a single manufacturer. Equipment will then be standardized and interoperable, and it can be calibrated before it is shipped to the program (e.g., the dental unit’s air pressure can be properly adjusted).
Some programs are required to request formal bids from prospective vendors. If a program’s purchasing requirements do not allow it to specify manufacturer and model, then the request for bids should detail the equipment specifications (e.g., size, weight, horsepower, foot candles, portability), as specifically as possible. Otherwise, program administrators may be forced to purchase from the manufacturer that provided the lowest bid, even though the equipment does not meet program needs.
Preparing Equipment for Use
Before portable dental equipment is moved into a school-based dental sealant program, administrators should allot time to prepare the equipment for use. The equipment should be unpacked, and program administrators should read all manuals and instructions.
The dental unit portable and noiseless dental compressor will need to be adjusted to work with the proper amount of air pressure. In some instances, quick-disconnect fittings will need to be installed on the compressor hose and dental unit. A service technician from a local dental supply company can calibrate equipment and assist with any adjustments. If no local dental supply companies are available, program administrators should consult the manufacturer. In some instances, manufacturer representatives can train staff to set up, use, and maintain the equipment.
Supplies
The supplies a school-based dental sealant program needs depend upon the method of sealant application selected and program administrators’ and staff’s preferences. Table 4.2 provides a list of supply categories that should be considered when making purchases.