Building a successful dental practice is all about making sure you and the rest of your team have access to the very best equipment. Precision, accuracy, and reliability all need to be factored into the equation. Without these fundamental considerations, your practice won’t be able to optimise patient outcomes and minimise patient waiting times.
Knowing how to invest in the right equipment is all about having a set process that you can follow from beginning to end. Because we want you to be able to follow this process for every type of equipment you invest in, we’ve created a process that’s so versatile it will adapt to every issue you face.
Ask for proof of a track record
Whether it’s the equipment manufacturer or the supplier who delivers the consumables when you need them, don’t be shy about asking for proof of a track record. Every business that knows its stuff will want to tell you why it can help you, and that means the person on the other end of the phone will have everything you need to know at your fingertips. Take a moment to weigh up what they are saying and then compare it against some of their direct competitors, and you will be able to make an informed decision without delay.
Read the online reviews
Online reviews are there to be read and digested, so why not take a look as soon as you finish this quick guide? Many people are put off by the presence of a small number of negative reviews, but they are actually some of the most valuable information you will find online. If a small number of customers and clients are complaining about the same issue and it doesn’t appear to have been resolved, this is a warning sign. Likewise, if the issues are promptly resolved and the responses are professional and polite, this is a green light.
Analyse the customer service
The way you are treated when you phone or email says a lot about the team of people who are behind the scenes. If you find that the customer service is quick, efficient, and friendly, you will be able to make your choice with the peace of mind that makes all the difference. Exactly what you want to hear when you’re looking to build relationships that will take the stress out of running your practice for many years to come.
Consider servicing and repairs
All advanced equipment will need to be serviced or repaired at some point, but it’s the frequency and the cost that matter here. You want to minimise both at the same time, and have a contingency plan built into the way your practice is equipped if possible. That way, you will be able to keep serving your patients when a key piece of scanning or diagnostic equipment is down for scheduled maintenance.
Think about the lead times
The initial investment is one thing, but many pieces of dental equipment will work their way through a list of consumables and replacement parts. Making sure that they are budget-friendly and easy to source is really important. You want transparent pricing, discounts on bulk buys, and short lead times to make sure that you are always able to offer the service your patients have come to expect from you.
Look for nationwide coverage
Sourcing dental equipment from a supplier who is well-established and serves the entire UK will make sure that you never fall foul of the downsides of hyper-local suppliers. Nationwide coverage also reduces delivery times and makes sure that any gaps in local supply can be easily solved via other distribution centres. Exactly what you want to hear when you’re looking to invest in the right dental equipment from day one.
Set a budget for reinvestment
Continually upgrading your equipment through a proactive approach to reinvestment is what will keep your practice in the best possible health. Putting aside a set part of your monthly budget for reinvestment is a wise move here. You can then fall back on a pot of money when an upgrade is released that you want to add to your existing equipment.
Put aside time for training
Last but by no means least, remember that all new equipment will require training time for each relevant member of the care team. The best equipment will offer a powerful range of new functions while also being quick and easy to master, so that you can get back to what you do best.
