Q&A on DentalEZ’s Osprey line of compressors with Ken Smith

In this Q&A, we spoke with Ken Smith, engineering manager at DentalEZ Alabama, about the company's Osprey line of air compressors, the technology that goes into them and how they can make dentists' lives easier.

A reliable air compressor might not be the very first thing that comes to a dental practitioner’s mind when considering what equipment he or she needs to ensure a practice runs smoothly. Can you give me an overview of the features and benefits of the Osprey, as well as talk a little about what it can do to make dentists’ lives easier?

Ken Smith, engineering manager, DentalEZ Alabama: In today’s modern dental facility, compressed air has become a critical energy source to operate equipment and provide air for dental procedures. Consequently, the reliability and performance of the air compressor can have a major impact on the day-to-day function and success of the practice. The Osprey compressors are squarely aimed at providing the very best reliability and performance by incorporating features such as:

• Reliable compressor heads utilizing rocking piston technology to ensure long life and quiet operation while still providing the class-leading performance required for the ever-increasing air demands of the dental office.

• Air quality assurance through the use of a dual tower, desiccant dryer and filtration system, which can provide consistently dry and clean compressed air, even during the most demanding load. In fact, the Osprey dries the air to the point that bacteria can’t survive, and our filters remove any remaining particles and viruses down to 0.01 micron. Dryer, cleaner air makes hand pieces last longer and improves the success rate of dental preparations.

• Smart controls, which provide a level of control and diagnostics not offered on competitive compressors. When coupled with the OWL Touch system, they can bring all the utility room information right into the operatory.

Related reading: Dr. John Flucke's 10 dental practice predictions for 2015

Can you tell me a little bit about the R&D process that goes into building a better air compressor?

KS: Any effective R&D project requires clear objectives and design inputs in order to be successful. We utilize multiple sources to provide better inputs into the R&D process, which in turn allows us to build a better air compressor. Important sources of this type of information include:

• Voice of the customer (VOC)

• Reliability/durability data

• Inputs/opinions from technical and customer service groups

• Competitive benchmarking

• Things done right/things done wrong on previous projects

What is rocking piston technology?

KS: Without getting too technical, the rocking piston technology is a different method of moving the piston up and down inside the cylinder of the compressor to create the compressed air. This technology allows for a simplified connection between the connecting rod and piston that makes the top of the piston rock back and forth in the cylinder. The advantage is a quieter, more reliable compressor with fewer moving parts and exceptional performance characteristics.

Related reading: Sikka Software reviews dental procedures by state

Any other announcements or big launches from DentalEZ you’d like to share?

KS: We recently expanded the Osprey lineup to include the Osprey 24 model, which satisfies a need recently identified through our sales team for a larger compressor that was compatible with a 20 amp – 230 volt AC circuit breaker. It shares all of the same great features as the other Osprey compressors but provides larger compressor air flow performance.

Another recent addition to the Osprey lineup is the addition of a field-installable, sound cover package for those installations where sound attenuation is critical to patient comfort. It can be installed in just a few minutes and features thermostatically controlled fans to keep the Osprey compressor cool and running for years of reliable service.

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