19th November 2024
Dental Spittoons vs. No Dental Spittoons: The Pros and Cons
Dental practices naturally rely on efficiency, hygiene, and patient comfort to deliver outstanding care. Choosing the right dental equipment for your needs plays a really vital role, and one topic that’s come under scrutiny is whether to include a dental spittoon in your practice setup.
Many readers will know that dental spittoons have been a core staple of dentistry for years. However, with recent advances in suction technology, are practices looking to forgo the traditional spittoon bowl altogether?
Let’s break down some of the pros and cons of each approach to help you figure out which options are best for your specific requirements.
Why Dental Spittoons Are Useful
1. Familiarity for Patients
Dental spittoons give your patients a sense of familiarity and comfort. They’re used to the process of rinsing and spitting, especially in procedures that might involve things like scaling and polishing. For some people, using a spittoon might feel more hygienic than relying entirely on a suction device.
2. Backup Option
Even with modern suction devices, equipment can fail or underperform. Having a dental spittoon is a belt-and-braces approach that gives you a simple, failsafe backup so that your patient can rinse without disruption if a problem occurs.
3. Hygienic Waste Management
Modern spittoons are specially designed for efficient waste disposal. Many state-of-the-art models include automated flushing and rinsing, reducing cross-contamination risks and meeting high hygiene standards.
4. Practical for Long Procedures
For lengthy treatments, such as restorative work, some patients might prefer the ability to rinse and spit at intervals. A spittoon bowl is always available when needed.
5. Low Maintenance with Modern Designs
Advancements in dental equipment mean today’s spittoons are easier to clean and maintain. Many of them integrate easily with dental chairs and come with self-cleaning features, which saves you time and effort.
Why You Might Forgo a Dental Spittoon
To properly benefit from offering cosmetic dentistry, it’s important to ensure your practice is optimised for these services.
1. Space Efficiency
Removing the spittoon bowl frees up valuable chair-side space. This can be an even bigger advantage in compact surgeries, allowing for better equipment positioning and more room for assistants to manoeuvre.
2. Reduced Cleaning Demands
While modern spittoons are easier to maintain than previous models, they still need to be cleaned regularly. Removing the spittoon eliminates one potential source of contamination, simplifying your infection control processes.
3. A More Streamlined Workflow
Suction technology has evolved a lot, with high-volume evacuation systems now capable of handling salvia and rinse water efficiently. These systems streamline the patient experience and eliminate the need for spitting altogether.
4. Cost Savings
Choosing a dental chair without a spittoon bowl can bring down your upfront costs. Maintenance expenses are also lower, as you won’t need replacement parts or cleaning products for your spittoon.
5. Modern Patient Expectations
While some patients might prefer the traditional spittoon, modern users are becoming more accustomed to suction-only setups – something that’s especially true in younger demographics. Offering a streamlined, spittoon-free environment might appeal to those who a prefer high-tech, minimalist process.
So, Which Option is Right for You?
Deciding whether to use a dental spittoon in your practice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and priorities. Think about some of the following factors when making your choice.
Patient Demographics
Older patients might feel more comfortable with traditional dental equipment that they recognise, while younger users might be fine with modern, suction-only treatments.
Procedure Types
Which kinds of procedures do you carry out the most? Practices focused on restorative or cosmetic dentistry might find spittoons more useful, whereas orthodontic practices might not need them.
Practice Size
In smaller rooms, maximising space by skipping the spittoon could boost the ergonomics and workflow of your staff. This can improve safety and efficiency.
Hygiene Protocols
Figure out whether eliminating spittoons aligns with your infection control strategy. If it does, investing in a new dental spittoon might be a good option.
Investing in the Right Dental Equipment
If you decide to include spittoon bowls in your practice, consider models with advanced hygiene features like automated flushing and antibacterial coatings. For those choosing to go spittoon-free, make sure your suction devices are up to scratch. Check they’re sufficiently powerful, reliable, and regularly maintained to prevent issues during treatment.
Above: A Durr Suction device.
Ready to Upgrade Your Dental Equipment?
At Curran Dental, we understand that every practice is different. That’s why we offer a range of high-quality dental equipment options so that you can tailor your setup to your needs. Our solutions are designed with hygiene, efficiency, and patient comfort in mind, backed by expert advice and reliable support.
If you’re looking to invest in dental equipment that fits your practice perfectly, then browse our range online or get in touch today to discuss your requirements.
FAQs
What is the lifespan of a dental spittoon?
Modern spittoons, when maintained properly, can last as long as your dental chair – usually 10-15 years. Regular cleaning and servicing are key.
Can spittoons be retrofitted to existing chairs?
Some models can be added to compatible dental chairs; some cannot. Get in touch with us to find out more.
Are suction-only systems more hygienic than spittoons?
Both suction-only and spittoon-based practices can meet hygiene standards with proper maintenance.
What’s the average cost difference between chairs with and without spittoons?
Dental chairs without spittoons are generally lower in price, though the exact difference depends on models and features. Contact us to discuss this.
Should I prioritise suction power if going spittoon-free?
Yes – powerful suction is crucial if you’re not using a spittoon. High-volume evacuation systems ensure comfort and efficiency during treatments.
