Each dental equipment you use has a specific pressure requirement for it to function properly. Look at the tools you have to see their pressure requirements, typically listed and measured in BAR. For many dental applications, like handheld tools, you’ll see around a five BAR requirement.

Aim a little higher than the BAR minimum so you can ensure you’ve got enough pressure when the compressor is powering multiple stations, or to compensate for any possible pressure drops across your piping.

If you’re trying to run tools with too little pressure, you can cause damage to the tool and possibly harm to your patients. When working with drills, drops in pressure can reduce its capability and fail to drill or cut as needed, making it take longer to treat patients — which increases the cost of your staff hours, anesthetic and even utility costs per patient.

Compressors require a steady supply of clean air, so installation will need to be in a clear and clean space that’s properly ventilated. If your installer doesn’t know the dental business, he or she could be placing your compressor in the wrong spot, and that will both overwork its filters and increase the likelihood of contamination or failure.

 Different countries, states and towns have different requirements for using and installing dental air compressors of various sizes. Ask your compressor partner about what’s important in your area. Often, these requirements will be limited to large tanks or high pressure ratings, but the actual requirements can vary widely.

You may also face different safety regulations by operating a dental practice. This can set safety requirements for any equipment you use, so you’ll have to turn to your local governing body to determine if there are restrictions for your air compressor. Again, your compressor partner should understand all of this information and can assist you in searching for any specific rules that may apply to your businesses and location.