Consultants’ Comments

• “I love that the unit is maintenance-free – no traps to clean.”
• “Small system tucks neatly into a corner of the equipment room.”
• “Great for conserving water usage.”
• “Cleaning the lines daily is important to reduce build-up that will reduce suction power, especially in narrow tubing used for saliva ejectors.”
• “The system is noisier than I expected.”

Description

Bulldog® QT Combo 2 is a dental dry vacuum system in which the power unit may be stacked on the 15-gallon polymer separating tank, the Otter Tank. Multiple tank/vacuum unit configurations are possible. The Combo 2 system evaluated is intended to service up to six operatories with two doctors and staff working simultaneously. The system is completely waterless. Connections are easily accessed, and the exhaust has a built-in check valve. Daily maintenance involves running water and cleaner through the vacuum lines in each operatory. Scheduled maintenance occurs after 1000 hours of use. The pump carries a 10-year warranty. Bulldog QT with Otter Tank was evaluated by 12 clinical consultants over a period of four months. This vacuum system received a 92% clinical rating.

Equipment Features

The ability to stack Bulldog QT on top of the separating tank was highly rated by consultants, as it results in a compact system with a small 53- x 74-cm footprint. Dental office staff members who performed regular maintenance on the vacuum loved the fact that there were no traps to clean on the Bulldog QT. The evaluation was conducted in a dental office with seven operatories and three to four simultaneous users – one or two dentists and two hygienists. The Combo 2 system was adequate for this office, and consultants reported that the quality of suction was an improvement over their previous wet vacuum system. Recommendations were followed regarding initial cleansing of the vacuum lines with cleaning solution as well as daily maintenance. Several consultants noted that the system was noisier than they would like. Eighty-three percent of the consultants reported that Bulldog QT was the same or better than their current vacuum unit, and 67% would recommend this vacuum system to their colleagues.

Clinical Tips

• Clean vacuum lines daily with a non-foaming, deodorizing solution such as SlugBuster.
• Use hot water for cleaning lines.
• Replace air filters and change oil once a year.