The ASI Self-contained Dental Cart (model 2020) is a mobile dental unit designed for rear-delivery. It accommodates a fiberoptic high-speed handpiece, low-speed handpiece, high-volume evacuation, low-volume evacuation, 3-way air/water syringe, electric handpiece and ultrasonic scaler. ASI offers numerous configurations to include an optional assistant arm and arm-mounted tray with swivel. The cart is said to be made of high-grade aluminum sheet metal with a baked-on powder coat. It has a 1/2 hp oil-less air compressor and a 1/3 hp vacuum pump with vacuum levels adjustable from 5-20” Hg. Its self-contained water system utilizes two 1-liter bottles. The waste tank can be emptied with the use of a purging system that ejects the waste through a 12’ waste-purge tube, avoiding the need to remove the waste receptacle daily. The 2020 has an amalgam separator/waste tank, which according to ASI, should be replaced annually. ASI states the cart measures 31.5”H x18”W x 21.0” - 24.5”D, weighs 125 lbs, and requires 110/220 VAC and 50/60 Hz.
This self-contained cart is easy to set up and operate, with thorough and easy to understand manufacturer’s instructions. Clinical evaluators reported that the unit functioned reliably and had an unobjectionable noise level. The dual-bottle, self-contained water system was of adequate volume and was easy to use and maintain. The 12’ self-purging drain line on the waste reservoir made daily reservoir removal unnecessary. The high- and low-volume evacuation, powered by a dedicated 1/3 hp vacuum pump, appeared adequate for routine dental procedures. Multiple configurations of the unit are available, including an optional assistant arm and side-mounted bracket tray. The unit is less expensive than other portable, deployable units.
Most evaluators did not prefer the rear-delivery mode, which may require an adjustment period. The optional assistant arm may alleviate this problem. The hose length may not suit all clinical users. The manufacturer does not make a customized storage/shipping case for the unit.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
