What type of system should be available as a backup for suction in case of power failure?

A water, gas, or non-electric suction source is critical as a backup system during a power failure because these alternatives can reliably provide suction without reliance on electricity. In dental practices, where patient safety and procedural efficiency are paramount, having a non-electric source ensures that suction is constantly available, even when electrical systems are down, thereby reducing the risk of complications during various procedures.

Other options, while potentially useful in the right contexts, may not consistently serve as reliable backups during unexpected power outages. For example, an electric suction system would be rendered non-functional in a power outage. A battery-operated suction system is useful but can be limited by battery life and may not provide the same level of performance as a standard electric system. A handheld manual suction tool is beneficial for specific scenarios but may lack the efficiency and effectiveness needed for all situations and does not replace the need for a more robust back-up system. Thus, having a water, gas, or other non-electric suction source ensures operational readiness in critical moments.