Dental simulation maintenance: keeping manikins and models in good condition

Simulation equipment is designed for extensive use. However, even the toughest manikin or model will start to look tired if it is cleaned too harshly, stored while damp, or handled a bit too fast during changeovers.

The upside is that most issues we see in dental training environments are not “inevitable wear”. They are small, fixable habits. A steadier cleaning routine, improved drying, and a few storage tweaks can make a noticeable difference in how long your simulation models last, how professional they appear, and how consistently they perform.

At One Dental, your Australian-owned supplier of education products, we know effective dental simulation maintenance is primarily about preserving realism. When your models fit properly, your gingivae stay supple, and your drainage set-up stays fresh, your students get a better experience, and your clinic gets more life out of the gear you have invested in.

The quick truth: what ruins simulation gear fastest?

If you want the short version, it is usually one (or a combination) of these:

• Harsh chemicals used too often
• Abrasive scrubbing on acrylic and plastics
• Moisture trapped in tubing, mounts, or cases
• Overtightening screws and clamps
• Packing things away damp because everyone is rushing

Here’s how to avoid them, without adding extra work to your day

A practical maintenance rhythm (that actually fits a busy clinic)

Rather than thinking in “deep cleans”, it helps to build a rhythm your team can repeat without fuss.

This is the backbone of dental simulation maintenance. Simple, repeatable, and shared.

Cleaning: keep it gentle, keep it consistent

Most simulation models use a mix of acrylic, plastics, silicone and softer gingival materials. They are designed to feel realistic, which is exactly why they do not love being scrubbed like a sink.

Start with the least aggressive method first. Mild soap and warm water will handle most everyday grime. If you do need disinfection, choose products that are compatible with plastics and soft components, and avoid anything that leaves a harsh residue.

One small mindset shift helps here: you are not trying to make simulation equipment “hospital sterile”. You are trying to keep it clean, safe, and in good condition for repeated use.

Here is a helpful guide for what to use, and what to avoid.

For drainage masks, an occasional wipe with baby oil on a soft cloth can help lift stubborn residue and keep the material soft and supple.

If you want your model care to be consistent across staff, this table is worth printing and keeping near the sinks.

Moisture management: the most overlooked part of dental manikin maintenance

If there is one thing that quietly shortens the life of dental simulation equipment, it is trapped water.

Moisture sitting in tubing, drainage masks, mounts or foam cases can lead to odour, staining, and build-up that is hard to remove once it sets in. It can also make equipment feel “old” faster than it should, even if the rest of your care is solid.

A simple routine helps:

• Drain and flush any tubing after use
• Shake out excess water
• Leave components out to air dry completely
• Only pack items away once they are fully dry

Dry storage is protective storage. It is also one of the easiest wins in dental simulation maintenance.

Handling and changeovers: protect the fit, not just the surface

A lot of damage happens during the “quick swap”. Models get forced into place. Screws get tightened as far as they will go. A mount feels a bit stiff, so someone pushes harder.

It is understandable, but it is also where cracks, wobbles and poor alignment start.

A calmer changeover routine looks like this:

• Support models with two hands when inserting or removing
• Tighten mounts and clamps only until secure (not max force)
• Keep fitting surfaces clean, so grit is not grinding into joints
• Check hinges and collars regularly for looseness, wobble or stress marks

This is where dental simulation maintenance pays off in the real world. It prevents those annoying “why does this not fit properly anymore?” moments that slow sessions down and frustrate staff and students.

Storage: “packed away” vs “stored well”

Storage is where wear happens quietly. Soft components get squashed. Acrylic gets scratched. Dust collects in moving parts. Damp tubing sits in a case and starts to smell.

The goal is not complicated, just intentional:

• Store everything clean and completely dry
• Keep softer parts separated from harder plastics where possible
• Avoid stacking heavy items on anything that can deform
• Label kits so parts do not get mixed or forced into the wrong setup

If your equipment includes foam inserts, they work beautifully when everything going into them is dry. If not, they tend to trap moisture and odour.

Sustainability note: extend life first, refurbish when needed

One of the most practical ways to be sustainable in education is to keep what you already have working well. Longer lifespan means fewer replacements, less freight, and less waste.

That is why we see dental simulation maintenance as part of sustainability, not separate from it. And when simulation products do eventually reach the end of their usable training life, we take a more responsible next step. Wherever possible, One Dental refurbishes and extends the life of simulation equipment, helping to keep valuable training tools in circulation rather than sending them straight to landfill.

Need a hand with maintaining dental training models?

If you are setting up a simulation clinic, managing an education lab, or trying to extend the life of the equipment you already have, a few small changes can make a big difference. Contact the One Dental team for guidance on dental manikin maintenance, model care, replacement parts, and the optimal care approach for your specific simulation models. For all your dental supply needs for training and private practice, browse our extensive range online.