The W&H Assistina 301 Plus is a small, counter-top unit that automatically cleans the air/water spray channels and lubricates the moving parts of contra-angle handpieces, straight handpieces, turbines, airmotors, and air-driven dental scalers. It is manufactured by W&H Dentalwerk (Austria) and imported and distributed in the United States by A-dec. A variety of coupling adapters makes it possible to clean and lubricate a range of different manufacturers' handpieces and motors. Depressing the program button for approximately two seconds activates the Assistina. Once activated, cleaning fluid is flushed through the air and water spray channels, then service oil is applied to the internal rotating parts, and finally, compressed air purges the air and water channels and internal parts of cleaning fluid and service oil, respectively. Since the handpiece is totally enclosed by the Assistina during operation, aerosolized oil and cleaning fluid is trapped by absorbent fleece pads and an exhaust filter. This minimizes the release of aerosols and messy lubricants into the work area. The Assistina operates on clean compressed air and does not require electricity. The external compressed air source must be between 60 and 145 psi. An internal pressure regulator reduces the compressed air to the proper pressure for optimum operation. The Assistina measures 8.8"H x 7.5"W x 16.3"D and weighs six pounds.
The Assistina 301 Plus was used daily in the DIS laboratories for over three years as part of several handpiece studies as well as this particular evaluation. During that time it functioned flawlessly without any mechanical failures. The Assistina 301 Plus proved a well-designed, easy-to-use, automatic lubrication and cleaning unit. Simple one-button operation activates the unit to deliver the correct amount of cleaning fluid and service oil, then automatically purges the handpiece of excess cleaning fluid and lubricant. The handpiece is enclosed during lubrication to control the release of aerosolized lubricants. Function indicators confirm that the unit is operating correctly and site level glass tubes show oil and cleaning fluid levels. Color-coded caps on oil and cleaner containers match the Assistina refill chambers to aid in correct refilling. Adaptors are available to allow use of a range of different manufacturers' handpieces and attachments with the unit. Routine maintenance is limited to periodic oil and cleaner replenishment and replacement of aerosol mist filter every 7000 uses.
Compared to the manufacturer's proprietary lubricants, the Assistina improved the longevity of the Lares 557 turbines and produced similar longevity with Midwest Tradition turbines, but reduced the operational life of the KaVo 642B highspeed handpiece. The unit requires an external compressed air supply. The start-up expenses are higher when compared to traditional aerosol can or dropper bottle manual lubricant delivery.
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.
