The process for a basic dental cleaning is relatively straightforward.
1- It takes one minute for the customer to check in with the Receptionist (R);
2- A lab assistant (L) takes (2 mins) and develops (8 mins) four X-rays;
3- The dentist (D) examines the X-rays (2 mins) while the hygienist (H) cleans the teeth (20 mins);
4- The dentist consults with the patient (6 mins); and finally
5- The receptionist discharges the patient (2 mins).
(a) Draw the process flow chart for the dental cleaning of a patient.
(b) Draw the corresponding Gantt chart for the dental cleaning for two patients.
(c) Calculate the process cycle time (i.e, theoretical flow time), and the process time.
(d) Determine the capacities, in terms of patients per hour, for all of the four resources.
(e) Determine the bottleneck resource(s) and explain why.
(f) Determine the bottleneck operation(s) and explain why.
(g) Historically, it is found on average, a patient spends 98 minutes at the dental office. (This time includes the effect of waiting due to congestion.) Calculate the flow-time efficiency.
(h) Suppose another (identical) hygienist is hired. Explain how this would impact the process cycle time.