Buying Used Dental Exam Lights: 5 Quick Tips

When purchasing an exam light for your dental office, you want more illumination and less glare. A critical element of your operatory, proper lighting provides essential phosphorescence in plying a high level of care for your patients as you practice your craft in the dark confines of the oral cavity. These 5 quick tips give you a jumping off point before you head down the path to purchase.

 

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1.Quality of illumination.

Light continuity (‘clean’ light pattern), natural color, shadow reduction. The exam light should provide a clean light pattern. No shadows, free from striations and a natural, even color. If your used lamp doesn’t produce a clean shower of light start with the easiest culprits. The plastic splash guard could have blotches spattered along the surface. The bulb might be misaligned in the housing or could be the incorrect model. If it’s the reflector though, you’ll have to get a replacement and those can be a bit spendy.

 

Adec 6300 for $685

2.Light Positioning.

The positioning of the light varies from office to office and your preferences will differ from other doctors. Consider how you plan to operatory layout and what positioning requirements will be needed. Lights like the Adec 6300 and Pelton & Crane LF offer 3-axis rotation which can illuminate the oral cavity from nearly any position. Make sure the gravity assist springs in the arm haven’t worn out so the light will maintain its set position.

 

3. Light Intensity.

Light intensity: evenly distributed to prevent eye strain, variable intensity, condition of the reflector. Most lights offer at least 2 settings for light intensity and there’s some that even cater to Goldilocks by offering a 3^rd setting. The light should be most intense in the center focal point, and evenly gradient towards the outer edges. This way your pupils won’t get overworked when switching between the high intensity area in the oral cavity and reaching for instruments or handpieces. It also keeps the light from blinding the patient. The condition of the reflector is an important factor in the light intensity and distribution.

 

Pelton & Crane Ceiling Mount Dental Exam Light Model LFC+ - $450

4.Light Bulbs.

Spare bulbs: availability, stored on light?, price A light wouldn’t be a light if it weren’t for the bulb. If you’re buying a used light, make sure bulbs are readily available so you’re not left with a boat anchor when the inevitable occurs. It is rare that you’ll find a light that has no bulbs available and usually only happens with very old off-brand lights. We have several good sources for bulbs so if you need help here feel free to contact us. Some lights (Adec 6300) also have a spare bulb storage compartment so you can quickly swap them out if a bulb goes down.

 

5.Mounting.

How the light gets mounted again comes down to personal preference and how your operatories are laid out. Wall/Cabinet mounts offer great stability, have fewer surfaces to clean, and can fold against the wall or above a cabinet when not in use. Ceiling/track mounts offer great stability and less area to clean. Chair mounts offer less stability, but are more economical, require less positioning, and are ideal for small treatment rooms. If you’re looking to pick up a used light, be sure to ask if all the necessary mounting hardware/track if applicable are included in the price.

 

 

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