6 keys to the most efficient operatories:
1. Use cabinets with front accessible drawers. If you have to swing out a drawer from the side it's not easy to reach and may block easy access to the operatory restricting work flow.
Standard front accessible drawers are more sturdy and can hold more than swing out drawers.
2. Avoid side cabinets. Side cabinets require turning away from the patient which makes for many more seconds of two handed dentistry. Side cabinets also restrict space for freely moving in the operatory.
From a design standpoint side cabinets and center island cabinets hinder your ability to be different and implement your own design strategy.
3. Use a tub and cassette system that's colored by procedure, and Dr. The operatory can be pre-loaded for a day to half day to make for faster turn overs.
Inventory costs are reduced and time spent tracking inventory and supplies are minimized.
4. Plan an open space free from vertical posts and swinging arms in your work area. These clutter the space and block access to critical items during procedure.
Traditional support arms for monitors and overhead lights have exposed wires, collect dust, and require constant movement around the operatory. Stationary dedicated lights and monitors allow for better design, cleaning, and don’t need to be moved.
5. Use dividers that stay in the cabinet and are easily reachable but then move out of the way. This helps with speed and efficiency but also with infection prevention.
6. Don't store restorative materials in the operatory. It makes ordering and inventory difficult because there are so many locations to check stock. A tub system makes it easy to switch procedures mid stream without having to shuffle through drawers to piece together what you need for that endo. A centralized storage and distribution system makes for less inventory and more efficient set ups. It forces pre-appointment planning.
A good rule of thumb is to have a weeks worth of consumables in the lower accessible portion of your cabinets. The upper should be reserved for your pre-planned procedure tubs. Hu-Friedy makes a great one http://www.hu-friedy.com/products/instrument-management/procedure-tubs/signature-series-complete-tub.html