When a local Canadian dental school reached out with questions about radiographic training equipment, their concerns reflected what we're hearing from dental educators across the country: existing DXTTR trainers are aging out, repairs are becoming difficult, and programs need reliable alternatives designed for modern digital workflows.
While we would never suggest that older natural bone and natural teeth heads be decommissioned or replaced, there is a point when repair is no longer possible resulting in increasing downtime and frustrated students.
The Evolution of Radiographic Training Equipment
The dental education landscape has shifted dramatically over the past few years. Traditional radiographic training systems like the DXTTR series served programs well for decades, but as these units reach end of life, replacement parts have become scarce and repairs increasingly challenging. Meanwhile, digital sensors have become the standard in clinical practice, creating a gap between older training equipment and current technology.
The XR Artificial Radiographic Training System represents the next generation of training equipment, purpose-built with digital sensors in mind. The palate geometry accommodates modern sensor dimensions, eliminating the adaptation issues that often plague attempts to retrofit older systems.
Flexible Mounting for Different Training Environments
One question we frequently address concerns installation and mounting options. The XR system's modular design allows it to integrate with virtually any existing setup, which matters when working within established facility constraints and budgets.
For chair-mounted configurations, the head attaches directly to the metal support connecting the headrest to the chair body. This approach utilizes equipment already in place and positions the trainer at ergonomically appropriate working heights for students.
Programs conducting panoramic radiography training can configure the system on an extended stand, demonstrating the versatility needed when teaching multiple imaging modalities within the same curriculum.
Simplified Operation and Maintenance
The mechanism for opening and closing the mouth uses a straightforward single-spring design that operates with minimal effort—manageable with one finger as shown above. This simplicity isn't just about ease of use during training sessions; it directly impacts long-term operational costs.
When the return spring eventually requires replacement, the repair involves removing just two screws. Programs can handle this maintenance in-house without shipping equipment away or waiting for technician visits, reducing downtime that would otherwise disrupt teaching schedules.
Tooth damage, while less common, can occur during intensive training use. Replacement teeth are typically repaired and returned within one to two weeks, keeping interruptions minimal.
Making Equipment Decisions for Dental Education
Selecting radiographic training equipment involves balancing immediate budget concerns against long-term reliability, compatibility with current technology, and total cost of ownership. The maintenance accessibility and digital sensor compatibility of systems like the XR trainer address practical concerns that affect day-to-day program operations.
Candent supplies dental education equipment to universities, colleges, and hospital training programs across Canada. For questions about radiographic training systems, contact us.