by Dr Willard Lee, Dr Willard Lee Dental, Carlingford, NSW
In 2008 we introduced a dental software program into our practice and began digitising our patient files. As the years went by and we continued to use our digital media, the old records—over seven years—became obsolete. These hard copies were no longer required and we needed a safe and unidentifiable way for their disposal. As well as patient files, we also had a huge backlog of old and outdated X-ray films, bank statements, financial records, receipts and transaction payments from HICAPS. We wanted to confidentially dispose of these items too. A Kobra paper shredder was the answer.
What’s good about it
The staff love it. It can shred up to 26 A4 pages at one time. Paper clips and staples do not need to be removed, and OPG X-ray films are shredded quickly and efficiently. It can also destroy credit cards and CDs/DVDs but we haven’t actually tried that yet.
We had so much material to get through that initially it was running for hours at a time without overheating. Some of the cheaper brands can only continuously run for a few minutes at a time.
There are different levels of security when it comes to shredding. This is a level-one shredder, cutting documents into 7.5mm strips. Higher level shredders are available.
What’s not so good
If you load it up with way too much paper, the unit can jam. It’s such a pain to clean out that you’ll only do it once.
Where did you get it
Shreddersdirect.com.au.
