Standard Operating Procedures: Duplicating Gel

Purpose: Duplication Gel is used to create replicas of dental models. This is needed to ensure a model is available in case of damage during processing or it is necessary to create a plaster model from 3D printed models which would bond to the acrylic.

Time needed: 5-10 mins

Frequency: Daily/As needed

Equipment Used:

• Heating unit “Crock pot”
• Blender
• Timer
• Measuring cup
• Plastic Specula (for chopping) - Do NOT use metal

Procedure:

1. Prepare gel
   1. Remove melted gel from heating unit
   2. Rinse and collect ALL melted gel from around the lab. Ie. duplication flask/plaster area, blender
   3. Moisten gel by adding 100ml of pure water to chopping bucket
   4. Gel should be finely chopped for quick and even melting (size of a large marble is sufficient)
   5. ALWAYS cover gel when not in use
2. Heating unit and blender maintenance

BEFORE turning on

1. Wipe exterior
2. Remove ceramic pot and wipe interior of the heating unit
3. Rise and dry the ceramic pot inside and out
4. Detach blender blade FIRST, remove melted get, wipe and keep blender and cup clean
5. Wipe countertop and surrounding area
6. Heating gel
   1. Add 75 ml to ceramic pot
   2. Add chopped gel to heating unit - Minimum 4 scoops of gel
   3. Turn to High heat - stirring/blending occasionally - Check every 30 mins
   4. Melting temperature 90 C - Once melted turn pot off, keep covered - Check every 30 mins
   5. Pour gel at 55 C