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Category Archives: Tech Tips

Tech Tips 36: Handpiece Couplers- The ABC’s of ISO

In most cases, handpiece tubing couplers are standardized thanks to the International Organization for Standardization or ISO. ISO is a non-governmental body with international representatives who disseminate medical/dental, industrial and commercial standards worldwide. ISO has established specific standards for dental handpiece couplers. There are three main types of couplers recognized by ISO [...]
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Happy Birthday Tech Tips!

Tomorrow we’ll be posting issue #36 of Tech Tips. This will mark our third year of sharing helpful tips on equipment repair and maintenance. We’d like to thank all of our loyal readers for taking the time to read our postings and e-mails. We appreciate all the feedback and suggestions you’ve given. A special thank you also [...]
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Tech Tips #35: How to Replace a Water Relay Valve- Video

Have you experienced a handpiece that has had a leak from the water coolant? The most common culprit for these types of leaks is the water relay valve. While the cause may differ in various units, most systems incorporate some form of water relay valve or “Clippard valve”. This video walks you through the easy [...]
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Tech Tips #34: Dental Equipment Routine Maintenance

In previous issues of Tech Tips we’ve discussed the importance of routine maintenance to keep your equipment running well. We’ve had dedicated issues on Handpieces, X-Ray processors, and Sterilizers. This month, we’re going to run through everything in the office on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis to give you a master check-list for [...]
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Tech Tips #33: Installing a Toggle- Video

In a previous issue of Tech Tips we discussed the design and function of toggle valves. This month, we will walk you through replacing a toggle valve on a delivery system. We’ll cover toggle selection, removing the old toggle, and installing the new toggle, and best of all, we once again return to a video [...]
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Tech Tips #32 – Handy Tips for Working with Fittings

This month we share some tricks and tips used by our technicians when dealing with the various types of fittings. These are tricks we have learned over the years to make the connections easier and more secure. For more information on the types of fittings check out our Tech Tips Archives- Issue #5: A Brief [...]
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Tech Tips #31- X-Ray Processor Maintenance

As with all equipment, routine maintenance is crucial to keep your x-ray processor running well. This month we’re covering basic routine maintenance for automatic x-ray processors. We’re including more generalized information on maintenance, so there will be some variation for specific makes and models of processor. Consult your owner’s manual for the specifics of your processor. [...]
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Tech Tips #30- Air/Water Syringe Installation

Installing a new air/water syringe onto a dental delivery system is a very straight-forward affair. Whether replacing an existing syringe or adding a new one, anyone can install a syringe in minutes. Tools you will need: Sleeve tool– a specialized tool used to slide the sleeve clamps over the tubing once the tubing is on your barbs. Sharp [...]
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Tech Tips #29- Turbine Repair Made Easy

Handpiece breakdowns can be a constant annoyance. Sending your handpiece off for repair can be a costly and time consuming process. Purchasing turbines and installing yourself can save money and downtime but when all that fails are bearings, replacing the entire turbine is wasteful. Are in-house turbine repairs viable? YES! Watch our video to see [...]
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Tech Tips #28: Troubleshooting Sterilizers- Part 2

Temperature-related problems are very common in sterilizers. A lag thermometer will help diagnose heating related issues. When experiencing heat-related issues (either low or high) leaving a lag thermometer in the sterilizer for a complete cycle will verify the maximum temperature achieved during that cycle. Sometimes it’s just a bad thermometer/temperature gauge on the sterilizer [...]
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