Six Tips for Selecting a Dental Laboratory Workstation

Lista offers a range of Modular Dental Technician workstation used for a variety of tasks.

Buying technician workstations for a laboratory is a major capital expense, deserving of careful consideration to avoid making a costly mistake. The choice can be complicated and there are a number of factors to consider. The key ones include initial purchase price, long-term ownership cost, laboratory layout and workstation design, supplier support services, and flexibility. This last one is especially tricky, since it requires a bit of crystal ball to make sure the choice supports changing laboratory environments, due to expansion and consolidation, as well as changing trends in equipment design and usage. Follow these six tips for selecting a dental laboratory workstation that meets all current needs, while positioning for adaptation to whatever comes down the parkway.

1. Count Up All Costs – Not Just the Obvious Ones
Be sure to factor in all related costs – do not just look at the bottom line. To the purchase price added should be shipping costs; installation costs; time, cost, and complexity of adjusting individual workstations; costs for add-on accessories (for example, shelves, storage, and tool and equipment holders); reconfiguration costs (should the future see conversion from single-sided workstations to double-sided in future); and of course, the expected lifetime of the product and the need to replace it. Consider how it might be able to reduce floor space requirements (and costs) by maximizing the use of vertical space, which minimizes the workstation footprint.

2. Consider Future Business Plans
Are there plans to expand, reorganize, or relocate? Changes in processes and techniques also may mean changing workstation layout, so consider modular, movable furnishings that can be easily expanded or rearranged when this is needed. If the current location is in a rented or leased space, built-in workstations may limit flexibility and result in additional costs for repairing walls and floors if there is a move.

3. Pay Careful Attention to Ergonomics for All
A comfortable employee is a productive employee. Dental laboratories can sometimes be the source of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), which result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The number one factor in addressing these ergonomic concerns is selecting equipment that allows employees to rearrange and adjust workstation elements easily.

Technicians come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure they can raise, lower, or change the tilt angle of workstation shelves; add or remove shelves; change the height or tilt angle of work-surfaces; change the height or direction of lighting; raise or lower the height of footrests; and mount or relocate tools, equipment, and storage on either side of a workstation. The graphic on page 22 illustrates the preferred horizontal and vertical reach zones within which to work.

4. Consider How the Laboratory Adapts to Changing Equipment Use

In recent years, the equipment used to execute essential tasks in dental laboratories has been changing dramatically. None of us has the proverbial crystal ball, but before putting down hard-earned dollars on a workstation, review this list of dental laboratory trends in order to try to determine which items may affect operations. Then, make sure the workstation selected can support them.

• Increased use of high-speed electric and air hand tools
• Central suction featuring variable port control
• Laser welding replacing soldering
• Vacuum-pressure induction casting
• Increased use of computers featuring scanning and CAD systems
• 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) technology
  
   

This is the ergonomically correct and preferred horizontal and vertical reach zones within which to work.

5. Build in Flexibility for Future Growth/Changes
Discussed earlier was the importance of making sure the laboratory equipment decision adequately considers the future, but flexibility is so important that it deserves its own tip. Workstations should be able to support any major layout redesign due to expansion, the changing nature of the work, or departmental reorganization. Do not let workstations present an obstacle to growth.

Truly modular and flexible workstations permit a variety of layout designs by sharing interchangeable components. Choices include inline, back-to-back, L, C, or X configurations. Having said that, when building in flexibility, always keep in mind conversion costs associated with changing workstation layouts. Achieving flexibility without discarding parts that have already been invested in is the goal. The image on page 20 is an example of a Lista Modular Dental Technician workstation used for a variety of tasks.

Avoid workstations designed around a single tasks or process, and instead opt for workstations that can address different applications within the laboratory. A flexible, modular design with common, interchangeable components and with provisions to accommodate a wide variety of work surfaces, drawers, shelves, and other accessories, can be used in a variety of departments and for numerous functions.

6. Make Sure to Have Access to Support Needs
A reliable supplier can be a partner in selecting the right workstation. For laboratories that operate from multiple locations, be sure the supplier has support branches near all locations. Ask about support services, such as laboratory layout and design, ability to customize purchased products, installation services, and training.

Lista Int’l Corp.
Holliston, Maine
www.listaintl.com