When I purchased my first practice in 2005 I was determined to make sure I had the very best in terms of equipment, so I set about evaluating all the options at the time. I visited various dental showrooms, practices, spoke to colleagues and took time out to see what was on offer in terms of technological advancements, performance, styling and overall appeal.

I discounted all the packages that don’t come with a micro-motor as standard. I’ve used speed increasing handpieces forever, I also wanted to get away from two foot controls. They look untidy with many cables around your feet and I wanted to make sure that when I am working the dynamic instrumentation, the chair is totally stable and can be disabled as a safety measure.

I also needed a treatment unit which could perform a range of complex procedures, so dynamic instrumentation control both for speed torque and surgical irrigation was key in my search. I’d reviewed the advancements in cross infection and automated dynamic disinfection, which I knew would be key to patient concerns in the future.

It was also important that all my team to benefited from a product and brand that offered continuity across the ranges, I wanted some uniformity when it came to the look and feel of all the systems implemented in the practice, even though some packages could achieve greater levels of specification.

Finally, I needed a supplier with pedigree, expertise and above all else commitment to me, in looking after my needs for years to come. These factors coupled with a brand the provider knew inside out; and had back up directly from the manufacturer was key to helping me make my decision.

My very first purchase was two Castellini Logos units from RPA Dental; at the time the very highest level of specification from Castellini. Now, some 16 years later, and we have twelve Castellini Packages in operation, and we have just taken ownership of the new Castellini Skema 8 unit.

My current Skema 8 leaves nothing to chance, I operate for every discipline with one seamless treatment center, and its performance, precise control and style enables me to carry out the very best dentistry.

Today’s Castellini chair packages are connected via my network to RPA Dental and Castellini Diagnostic Centres, which means the company can remotely access my equipment. and monitor performance, apply software upgrades and diagnose any error codes. By having this ability, the technician can normally assist me over the phone with any needs or can diagnose the issue before visiting the practice, and that means that the problem is half solved when he comes to the door. That in my view is such a valuable service and gives me confidence in both my investment and also my service provider.