Dentistry is a professional career, but it does have one major thing in common with the trades – a reliance on the tools that are used.
In every stage of a dentist’s career, from student to associate to owner, a dentist will have to evaluate whether a certain piece of equipment meets their needs; that is, saves them time, improves their work, or is capable of saving or producing money.
Each category of equipment potentially has dozens of characteristics that could be evaluated to make that determination. However, there are some considerations that all equipment purchases have in common.
Why Do I Want New Dental Equipment?
Whether to buy a new or used dental equipment supplies is always a key consideration. Clarity will often help save money. Dentists work hard, and don’t need to justify the desire to purchase a new toy for their operatory. Still, you should be aware of the reasons you want to purchase the equipment, as it can help focus your needs.
A real world example of this is intra oral cameras. The prices range on these units considerably, from as low as $400 to $5000 and more. If you want the camera to take detailed before and after shots of your cosmetic work, you should be looking at a good digital SLR rather than an intra oral camera.
On the other hand, if you want to send images to the insurance company, a good quality intraoral camera will be faster and easier. If the camera is simply to show patients pictures of their teeth, one of the inexpensive handheld plastic intraoral cameras will suit your needs.
Do I Have Any History With This Type Of Equipment?
If you have been a long time user of Kavo handpieces, and are happy with their price and performance, is there any reason to change? Consistency in equipment from room to room is a benefit in a dental practice. Your staff is more familiar with the operation of the equipment which can save money.
All service technicians have stories about rushing to offices for emergency calls only to flip a switch to fix the problem. In addition, you will probably have learned some tricks with the equipment over the years, and you will be able to simplify your inventory on things such as disposable suction traps and infection control barriers.
Tags for this article :Tags: Dental Equipment, Dental Handpieces, Intra Oral Cameras
