It is necessary to protect our dental equipment. It's so important to our dental practice. Today I mainly to introduce how to protect your intraoral sensor.

Digital intraoral sensors are among one of the first tools dentists invest in before going 100% digital. There are many considerations when choosing the right sensor: size/sizes of the sensor, integration, service and support, return on investment and cost. Care and maintenance of the sensor is critical once the sensors are integrated into the practice to protect your investment.

There are many do’s and don’ts that both novice and expert sensor users should know, some of which we will explore in more detail. Here’s a quick checklist of what you should and should not do with a sensor.

What should you do with a sensor:

1. Handle the sensor as gently as possible.

2.  Always use a new sheath with every patient.

3. Grasp both connector and interface when disconnecting sensor from interface.

4. Store sensor in a holster when not in use.

5. Disinfect sensor after each use with only the approved disinfectant.

6. Keep sensor off the floor at all times.

7. Make sure the sensor is backed by great service and support.

8. Use only the correct positioners.

What should you not do with a sensor:

1.  Coil sensor cables.

2.  Let the cable hang on or near the floor where it can be stepped on or become tangled.

3.  Let the cable hang near a drawer where it can become kinked/crimped.

4. Pull on the sensor cable to remove the sheath.

5. Tangle cable during use.

6. Let the patient bite down hard on the sensor or cable. Ask patient to close gently.

7.  Clamp a hemostat to the sensor.

8.Caring the sensor by dental autoclave.

Sensors should be thoroughly cleaned after each use with the recommended disinfectant only. Check the user’s guide to ensure proper disinfectant techniques. For example, Dentsply Sirona recommends using Cavi-Wipes pre-moistened towelettes to disinfect the Schick 33 sensor. Follow the cleaning instructions on the back of the cleaning product, but when wiping down the sensor and cable make sure to wipe toward the sensor head or the sensor connection to prevent cable damage.

It is best to store the sensor on a wall-mounted holster in a safe and dry location. This keeps it out of the way and minimizes the risk of damage. Place the sensor into the holder and loosely drape the cable around it once to keep it from kinking or coiling. Do not hang a sensor by the cable. This will cause damage that can compromise the sensor’s capabilities.