Keeping VA Dental Clinics Operational
How Strategic Equipment Management Supports Veteran Care
With more than 200 dental clinics across the United States providing comprehensive dental services to nearly 888,000 veterans[1], equipment in the dental operatory and the mechanical room is in constant use. From delivery systems and imaging equipment to compressors and vacuums, these critical tools are on call continually taking the brunt of that use without notice.
Over time, even the most reliable equipment shows signs of wear. Continuous use in the high-demand environment of a VA dental clinic, and without regular attention, can lead to a gradually decline in performance.
Top-tier imaging equipment
The gold standard of dental imaging, Planmeca 3D and cephalometric units are included in the imaging protocol at George E. Wahlen Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah and James Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida.
When Apprehension Delays Action
Without dramatic notice, functionality can drop below optimal. When updates or replacements are delayed, small issues can turn into a large bottleneck that affect the workflow. The worst-case scenario is aging equipment that slows operations, impacts clinical performance, and ultimately affects patient care.
Addressing the issue can seem complex and daunting. Procurement teams can be juggling competing priorities, the time-intensive process of researching acceptable solutions, and navigating the bid process. Concerns about the efforts to purchase, coordinating field installation, as well as funding push updates further down the priority list.
Quality in the mechanical room
Air Techniques compressors installed by the UGS team at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans’ Administration Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona
Supporting VA Procurement Teams
The expertise and skilled services of the UGS team can remove burdens from the VA procurement teams making the operation achievable.
As a trusted partner representing leading dental equipment manufacturers including Air Techniques, Crown Seating, DentalEZ, and Planmeca, UGS helps VA procurement teams access top-tier equipment through the ECAT ordering system.
Designed for efficiency, economy, and compliance, ECAT lets VA buyers quickly source dental equipment strategically while meeting standards. The curated catalog streamlines purchasing for adherence to supply chain and standardization goals.
There’s More In The Cart
UGS goes beyond moving inventory.
With a clinically requested product mix and long-term relationships with top level manufacturers, UGS offers above and beyond value while meeting cost targets without sacrificing quality of care. Beyond the cart, the UGS team provides reliability and readiness with established vendor connections and inventory strategies to mitigate supply distributions and support rapid respond when demand surges and critical needs arise.
Less Friction, More Momentum
From day one, the team at UGS at the ready with expertise and focused attention. The experienced team that understands government procurement and has stood onboard and on base, UGS knows the right questions to ask and how to navigate the process. With keen insight, UGS can craft practical solutions to simplify purchasing easier to align with operational needs.
A higher standard of care
Dr. Eric Kern, a Navy veteran with a Planmeca extraoral X-ray unit at the Veterans Affairs Health Care Center clinic in Greenville, North Carolina. [2] Credit: Anne Blythe
With a record of installations in VA clinics and skilled biomed specialists with military and law enforcement experience, the UGS team understands the realities of delivering care in federal facilities.
UGS can conduct a comprehensive review of the entire dental unit, observe the age and condition of the equipment and ask questions regarding clinical usage. This approach can help procurement and clinical teams to create a protocol and anticipate when the time is right to make updates, and plan accordingly.
Installation, service, and a review of the entire dental operatory ecosystem by UGS can make the difference in smooth operations. When equipment runs smoothly, clinicians can focus on what matters most serving the veterans who rely on the VA for care every day.
Staying ahead of the curve and understanding which new products are available to order helps VA procurement team ensure that their clinics well equipped and ready to serve. Always focused on the long term, UGS continually invests in strategic partnerships that benefit the VA. From innovations in hardware and technology, options for sourcing from American manufacturers, flexible configurations for easy ordering or equipment reviews, UGS works to deliver a level of service that is above and beyond.
Serving Those Who Have Served Us
At UGS, our mission is simple: to partner with the VA in delivering exceptional care to our veterans. Every day, we streamline processes, provide expert guidance, and ensure procurement teams can meet their objectives all so VA Dental Clinics can deliver the highest standard of dental care. With experience, strategic relationships, and hands-on support, UGS aims to serve those who have served us.
Want to hear more about how UGS partners with the best in dental products and equipment here or drop us an email at marketing@ugsmedical.com.
[2]https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2019/11/11/ecu-va-clinic-offers-dental-care-for-vets/