Created for well-being Welcome to UNIC, the treatment centre that enhances the whole dental experience. Our aim with UNIC is to introduce something familiar and homely into the dental surgery. Our intention is to create a pleasant and relaxed environment for both the patient and dentist. The unit is able to accommodate the person relaxing in the chair as well as facilitate the work going on around the patient. The human element is carefully considered throughout the process - from the patient to the dentist and dental assistant, even to the service engineer. Thomas Steen Nielsen, heka dental

For some people the annual visit to the dentist is simple - nothing more than a routine check-up by another doctor. For others - for example, my daughter-in-law - it is actually associated with a pleasant feeling. She looks forward to it each time she gets her teeth checked and polished. She feels ‘cleansed’ afterwards. It is a “wellness” treatment for her teeth and mouth. However, many experience the yearly visit to the dentist as a cause for great discomfort, maybe anxiety or, to put it bluntly, dental phobia. It is these people we had in mind when we created the design for UNIC. ’Art is not...

From the vision to the product It started with a vision, which was transformed into thousands of line drawings. After that there followed numerous prototypes before the final design fulfilled all our demands for the ultimate treatment centre. As with all good designs, the aim is to combine aesthetics with functionality. Our goal with UNIC is to deliver a unit that, because of its inviting appearance and carefully thought through functionality, will create the perfect environment for a pleasant visit to the dentist.

The long road to success The starting point for creating a successful functional design is to listen to the people who will use the product. All the people who will come into contact with UNIC - patients, dentists, dental technicians and service engineers - have assessed more than 2,000 major and minor details. We have modified UNIC’s design according to the input we have received from them. Then we have asked our testers to assess the unit again. We have been through this process again and again because we know it is the small details that count.

Focus on detail It is the smallest of details that define a good or bad design, and we have paid great attention to every single detail in UNIC because we believe that our customers should be happy with the product for many years to come. As an example, take the rear door of UNIC which is made out of stainless steel. In the finishing process each individual component is polished in the correct direction, so that when the pieces are assembled all the polished surfaces are facing the same direction. It is more expensive. It is also more difficult, but we believe that is absolutely necessary to...

Designed for well-being UNIC ensures optimal contact between the dentist and patient. With all the instruments at hand, the dentist can work effectively and continuously without losing contact with the patient. This creates a calm working atmosphere which is reassuring and relaxing to the patient. With UNIC we have created a piece of furniture, in which each design feature is aimed at inspiring confidence and well-being in the patient.

Lightweight UNIC is proof that a treatment centre need not be heavy or clumsy. The entire UNIC treatment centre appears to be hovering in space. By using many varied techniques, we have been able to accentuate the unit’s lightness and simplicity - for example, the instrument table and trays are supported centrally by means of a swivel joint, and the hoses never touch the ground. Similarly, by creating symmetry in the shapes, we have given the unit aesthetic lines. For example, the circular arrangement of the instruments mimics that of the rinsing bowl - and the shape of the handle on the instrument...

We chose a polished stainless steel finish for the UNIC floor cabinet and rear door. One of the unique qualities of polished stainless steel is that it reflects its surroundings. This means that UNIC takes on the colour of its surroundings, wherever it might stand.

Minimalist on the surface Functional and flexible beneath On UNIC we have deliberately hidden away all that does not need to be visible. The instrument table is effectively minimalist without any superfluous techno-paraphernalia or unnecessary gadgets. This gives you the sense that UNIC is a piece of furniture rather than just a piece of equipment. UNIC - Quintessentially Simple.

Designed in perfect balance The UNIC's arm hides the cables, water and air lines behind its light, but hard wearing surface of anodized aluminium. The big joints move with precision in every direction, despite the various strains they come under from the instrument table, monitor, x-ray unit and light. The result is an arm with optimal balance.

Simple technology creates a simple working procedure The instrument table's handle is fully integrated with UNIC’s display and touch pads. It is easy to find by both eye and hand - even when your attention is elsewhere. With a light touch on the cuspidor touch pad, the suction stops, the operating light goes off and the patient's chair adjusts to the rinsing position. Meanwhile the glass fills with water. By touching the cuspidor touch pad again, the patient's chair returns to its previous working position.

From Solo to Duo - in under 2 seconds Flexibility creates job satisfaction. This is why we have ensured that UNIC can adapt to its varied and complex tasks - easily and smoothly. The assistant’s unit is designed with a telescopic arm that can be adjusted from two to four-handed treatment in seconds.

Comfortable Chair A relaxed patient creates ideal working conditions for the dentist. For this reason we have created a treatment centre that is comfortable for both the patient and dentist. It is a dream to sit on, whilst the dentist has the ideal working conditions, regardless of whether they are standing or sitting. The feel of the patient's chair, and the choice of materials and colours complement UNIC's clear, clean lines and simple design. At the same time we have remained focused on the functionality of the chair and in particular its easy adjustment by means of a foot pedal or the electronic...