Redundancy is critical to the success of any small business. We need to take steps to stay operational at all times. As our offices become more technologically advanced, this principle becomes more of a challenge. Now, realistically, are you going to purchase an entire second CEREC system to put in the corner and have at the ready should your primary system fail? Of course not, but we can certainly make a good attempt at obtaining and maintaining redundant systems in other areas.

There was a time, not that long ago when a dentist practiced with one, maybe two high-speed drills and an extra belt to drive his slow speed and that was about it. Prior to autoclaving drills, they lasted almost forever. Now as we all know, we need so many high speeds and even a stock of extra turbines in case of failure. Slow speeds are more reliable, but you still need a large supply to keep several rooms running while having a few more in the autoclave. Add to that extra curing lights, ultrasonic scalers, triturators and so many other supplies, it becomes mind boggling.

My AED was recently recalled, and the manufacturer asked us to send it back for repair. What?! I can't be without it. But then again, I practiced for so long without one, so what's the big deal? Well the big deal is I got comfortable knowing it was there. So I arranged to send it back while we are on vacation.

A few months ago, I began to worry about my compressor. What if it went out in the middle of a big CEREC case or during a tough extraction? I bought a smaller auxiliary and plumbed it into the line so the flip of a switch and turn of a valve will get me going again. A few years ago my suction pump went, and while waiting for the new one to be delivered I bought a portable unit that will get me by in a pinch.

I have one last contingency plan that I will share with you. In the event of a power failure, I do not have and do not want a generator. They are costly, not easily maintained, and must be pretty massive to keep a compressor running. So, I figured a worst case scenario: six teeth prepped for veneers and no power. No problem - I switch to my battery operated headlamp with a composite filter, grab my cordless curing light and get to it making temps. I refine them out of the mouth with a cordless lab handpiece and send the patient home. Now that's not ideal but it would get the job done.

I make every effort to think things through and keep my office open and running, but let's face it, with a big dental supply company like Patterson, I can get almost anything I need by the next day. I no longer keep much of an inventory of disposables or even composites, cements or bonding agents. I do keep a lot of local anesthetic around because of the rare but occasional shortages we experience in my area.

So, think through your worst case scenario and arm yourself with what you need to get through it. Don't let it make you crazy enough that you have an extra milling unit sitting around; just assign an employee to keep up with the required maintenance. Just like the old adage goes - hope for the best and prepare for the worst.