How to Inspect and Maintain Your Nitrous Oxide Equipment - Stephan Nugent

Do you know how to properly care for your nitrous oxide equipment? Are you properly following instructions for use (IFU) documents when cleaning your Accutron? Knowing how to properly care for your equipment—and therefore your patients—is important for their longevity and functionality. 

Here to chat with me today is Steve Nugent from Professional Sales Associates. One of his specialties is Accutron nitrous oxide products. He reached out to me about a recent episode I did to give me some feedback and I’m so glad he did. He’s got some insightful tips on protecting your equipment. Be sure to listen to this important episode of Talking with the Toothcop!

Outline of This Episode

• [0:22] I welcome my guest Stephan Nugent to the podcast
• [4:45] Centrally plumbed and portable nitrous oxide manifolds
• [7:20] Inspection of equipment—follow the instructions for use!
• [11:35] Disinfecting Flowmeters
• [16:00] Don’t let complacency seep into your office
• [19:30] Maintenance of nitrous oxide equipment
• [21:55] Single-use MEANS one and done!

Pros and cons of a centrally plumbed or portable manifold

According to Steve, both systems are fairly durable and robust. A centrally plumbed system is going to allow you more flexibility and can be available in every room needed. It’s going to be at a higher price point to install, but resupplying the gas is fairly affordable.

On the flip side, a portable manifold system has a lower price point. But it does come with some limitations. It is moveable but cumbersome—and it can’t be in two places at once. So you’ll either need multiple manifolds or have to schedule patients accordingly. You’ll also be constantly refilling canisters, and it isn’t as affordable when you go that route.

Either way, both options are suited for the task at hand. You just need to take into consideration your budget and intended use.

Follow Instructions for Use (IFU)—they are the letter of the law

Nearly every device used in a dental practice is regulated by the FDA with strict guidelines for use. Therefore, it is extremely important to follow the IFU’s that accompany the product. Not following the instructions could cost you—and is technically breaking federal law. IFU’s give you one less process that you need to develop yourself, so take advantage of that!

Even something that seems simple, such as cleaning your devices, is clearly laid out for you. Steve recommends only utilizing the cleaning products outlined in the IFU. If you go rogue and use a stronger chemical, you risk damaging your equipment and impacting its longevity. For more details on how to properly clean your dental tools—keep listening!

Don’t let your dental office become complacent

I’m a firm believer that if you work in the dental industry, you need to become an expert on infection control. It is a complex thing to tackle, but there are resources available—I certainly provide some! Make sure you stay up to date on the latest FDA guidelines. Do not let your practice become complacent. If you do, you’re setting yourself up for lawsuits.

Also, don’t go off-script. You may have the best of intentions when purchasing a heavy-duty well-reviewed cleaning product. But when put to use you could inadvertently destroy expensive equipment. You always need to consider the long term affects your actions have—even when it comes to something simple. 

Evaluating your nitrous oxide equipment

You know me—I’m all about compliance. Evaluating and monitoring your equipment is high on the list of things you must do. Steve and I both recommend using a barrier to help alleviate disinfectant concerns, as well as spraying cleaning chemicals on a cloth. DO NOT spray chemicals directly on your equipment (unless, of course, your IFU states to do so…).

Evaluate your rubber goods regularly. If there are holes in them you’re exposing yourself and the patient unnecessarily. If there’s a hole, duct tape is not your friend—it’s time to replace it. Likewise, single-use nasal hoods mean single-use. Throw them away when you’re done!

For more discussion on proper product usage, properly cleaning your Accutron equipment, and MORE listen to the full episode of Talking with the Toothcop!

Resources & People Mentioned

• Professional Sales Associates
• CaviCide Disinfectant
• Accutron

Connect With Stephan

• On LinkedIn
• snugent(at)profsales.com

Connect With Duane

• https://www.dentalcompliance.com/
• toothcop(at)dentalcompliance.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter
• On LinkedIn
• On Youtube