Air Compressor Guide for Dentists

What is a Dental Air Compressor?

Air Compressors are an indispensable element of the dental surgery and critical to the continuous functioning of your practice. We have put together this guide as experienced suppliers, installers and service engineers of dental equipment and machinery. 

How does a Dental Air Compressor work?

Air Compressors are the heart of the Dental Surgery. This machine compresses, cleans, dries and stores air, which powers handpieces and certain functions of dental treatment centres and hand-piece cleaners.

The Dental Air Compressor is distinct to dental surgeries as they lower the dew point of the compressed air, removing impurities via an inline filtration system and removing moisture from the air through a compressed air dryer to protect your handpiece, ensure dry air from the 3:1 and eliminate bacteria.

Your practice is dependent on a steady, reliable supply of high-quality compressed air. So, for this reason we advocate Oil Free MEDLAB AIR compressors which are manufactured to the highest standards of quality control and come complete with an extended  warranty and our superior service back up in Australia with bespoke service schedule from our in-house team of trained engineers.

The use of dental air compressors is strictly regulated because they must meet a high degree of hygienic criteria. This is to prevent dental patients from being subjected to contaminants that could cause infections or other problems. Oil and other particles must not be allowed to seep into the air flow, so there are standards of operation and regulations concerning dental air compressor use.

Dental Compressor Regulation HTM2022 require compressed air to be generated by an oil free compressor with an integral dryer, internally coated air receiver and a breathing air and bacterial filter down stream of the compressor.

Dental Compressor Regulation HTM02-01 Part A

Dental Compressor Regulation HTM02-01 Part B relate to your pipework system, ensuring it is safely located away from potential damage, is free from leaks and contains sufficient isolation valves.

Standard oil-lubricated compressors can use a filter to remove particles, although these filters are expensive and need to be regularly checked and replaced.

Why contaminate the air to clean it with filters, when you can create clean compressed air with an MGF Oil-Free Compressor? Due to cost of oil, filters and wear on handpiece turbines, oil-less compressors are essentially more cost-effective.

The efficiency of your compressor is based on the time it takes to pressurise the tank from zero to maximum pounds per square inch, this is also called the Duty Cycle. Most manufacturers have suggested times for a compressor to pressurise, as well as recommended duty cycle times. If you are using an older compressor, regularly monitor its performance and if it is running too long to maintain pressure, there is either a leak in the system or the compressor is weakening.

Also, monitor the quality of air being produced. To check the cleanliness of the air you can perform a simple test using a small mirror. Just blow air from your handpiece onto the mirror. Any debris, oil, moisture or contaminates emitted will clearly show up on the surface.

As Dental Fit-out specialists, we have designed many practices which have included the supply and installation of a compressor, including multiple surgeries. These are the factors we would consider when deciding on which machine would be most suitable.

Choosing the right compressor size

To determine the correct size compressor, evaluate your air consumption by considering how many operators are in use at a time. Capacity is the compressor output in litres per minute (lpm), and typically each chair needs approximately 50 lpm.

Capacity can influence the reliability of your compressor as they are designed with a limited “duty cycle” which is the time a compressor can run without cooling off. Receiver tank size and pressure is also calculated; however, our selected compressors are listed with this already assessed.

1-2 Chair Compressor
3 Chair Compressor
2-4 Chair Compressor
4-6 Chair Compressor
5-6 Chair Compressor
6-8 Chair Compressor

A compressor system that is the right size for your practice is more efficient and will last longer. An overworked machine could have an adverse effect on compressed air dryness which would cause handpieces and patient safety to be negatively affected due to the wetter compressed air.

Noise level

Most silent air compressors operate between the 60-70 decibel range. The use of an Acoustic Hood or Cabinet will reduce noise and minimise disruption.

Acoustic Hood for quiet operation – 57dB – MGF SKY 30/7 S PR 1-2 Chair Compressor

Acoustic Enclosure – 54dB - MGF CS 30/7 M PR 1-2 Chair Compressor

Super-silenced Acoustic Cabinet which provides an optimal noise reduction - 50dB -
MGF MiniBox 24/7 Prime

Compressors for CAD/CAM

Milling and grinding machines need constant compressed air, so a high quality compressor is required that can produce a continuous operation. These would need to be oil-free and dry compressed air is of prime importance. Because of the uninterrupted flow of air, a long duty cycle is required and a membrane drying unit. The absorption dryers in standard dental air compressors are not suited to run these machines. See our range of CAD/CAM air compressors.

Compressor Servicing

A properly utilized and maintained compressor generally lasts 10 to 15 years. MGF Compressors also have powder-coated tanks, these are internally coated to prevent rust.

Eclipse Dental can provide a comprehensive service schedule for all maintenance and certification intervals, contacting you when required to book work in at your convenience giving you peace of mind that you will remain compliant for the life of your compressor. We also provide air quality testing units for medical and dental air to determine the level of contaminants in a compressed air supply.

Contact us to discuss our Equipment Maintenance services.

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Value for money

Your experience of consumer goods has probably shown that high quality tools and appliances pay for themselves and buying cheap often means buying twice. In the long run, quality compressors last longer, with less frequent repairs and lower service costs.

MGF specialise in the production of oil-free compressors, silent compressors, OEM compressors, industrial compressors and suction systems for the dental industry for over 20 years. They are also able to offer customized solutions to face the needs of those clients that require special compressor applications. Typical characteristics of MGF compressors are: simple, complete and easy to understand instrumentation, light and quick maintenance operations and the continuous effort to always improve.

See our full range and dental air compressor prices here

A dental air compressor is typically installed in a clean, central location where it can power multiple surgeries.

If the location of the compressor is not given much thought the quality of the air can be compromised. They are sometimes placed in a cupboard with bad air circulation or basement, which can have issues with damp. Or if there are pungent sewage odours nearby this can affect the overall condition of the air.

Our designers and engineers would make sure that the air compressor is installed in a place where it can draw in clean air and where it can be easily reached for maintenance. Discover some of the solutions we have achieved in a wide range of surgeries and practices.