November 4, 2022
Editorial Disclaimer
This content is published for general information and editorial purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as such. Any mention of companies, platforms, or services does not imply endorsement or recommendation. We are not affiliated with, nor do we accept responsibility for, any third-party entities referenced. Financial markets and company circumstances can change rapidly. Readers should perform their own independent research and seek professional advice before making any financial or investment decisions.
Building a business is about making smart strategic choices at the right time, rather than trying to constantly play catch-up when you see a competitor pulling ahead. In many cases, it’s about making the right moves in a way that puts the fundamentals in place and gets the basics right. If we take building a successful dental practice as an example, we can get a much better idea of what this process will look like.
It may sound like common sense, but it’s surprising how easy it is to lose track when you are immersing yourself in the fine details. New marketing campaigns, redecorating the waiting area, and creating new packages can all feel like they need to be done right now, but it’s the time investment you make when sourcing and purchasing equipment that arguably trumps all three. The point is that without the right equipment for the job, your dental care professionals won’t be able to focus on what they do best.
We need to consider a variety of competing demands here, such as price and budget, ongoing running costs, and the technical capability of the equipment. In addition, ergonomics to ensure staff and patient comfort, reliability, and the contribution to overall practice efficiency all need to enter the equation. If we look at each in turn in more detail, we can get a greater appreciation of how they work.
Evaluating the needs of your practice and how you can serve the specialist areas you’re looking to expand in is vitally important. More than just running the numbers to check your budget, it’s about making sure that you’re not just investing money for the sake of it. Everything needs to add value, enrich the patient experience, and increase the efficiency of the practice. If your prospective investment ticks all of these boxes, it’s worth taking a closer look.
If you look to source equipment from a trusted national supplier like Kent Express, you will be dealing with experts rather than general salespeople. They will be able to guide you through the reliability statistics of any given brand or piece of equipment. This will help you gain perspective and give you a chance to understand your options in more detail. That way, you can come to a decision regarding the long-term utility of any potential investment.
Safety is a given, but finding equipment that is easy and comfortable for your team to use is easy to overlook. The simplest solution is to run everything by the team so that they can provide vital input. They will often have ideas and experience that you do not, allowing you all to work together in a way that takes the practice to the next level.
Whenever you are buying a piece of scanning or imaging equipment, look at how it can integrate with your existing software solutions. In an ideal world, you want a fully interconnected practice in which information flows effortlessly from one station to the next, as opposed to one where data and information are continually siloed in different places.
Ask the equipment supplier for clarification regarding the warranty and what their after-sales support packages do and do not cover. This will ensure that you can make an informed decision, safe in the knowledge that you will be covered for everything you may need in the future. Ideal when you want to be able to sleep easily, should any unexpected downtime occur.
Last but by no means least, you need to double-check compliance and safety standards before making the final decision to purchase. Checking that your new equipment and the way you intend to use it comply with everything set out by the General Dental Council (GDC) and local health authorities will keep you, your practice, and your patients safe, the smart way.
Now that you have a much better idea about how to choose the right dental equipment, you can make sure that the latest tech out there fits your goals and your practice. Perfect when you want to be able to set the tone for a progressive, successful, and sustainable business that will continue to go from strength to strength.
The most critical first step is to conduct a detailed needs assessment of your practice. You should evaluate how any potential purchase will specifically serve your patients, improve efficiency, and add tangible value to your services before considering any specific models or brands.
Your staff use the equipment every day, so their input on ergonomics, comfort, and ease of use is invaluable. Involving them ensures the chosen equipment is practical for daily workflow and helps foster a collaborative team environment, which can be supported by business coaching from firms like Robin Waite Limited.
To ensure reliability, source your equipment from reputable, trusted suppliers. They can provide detailed information, reliability statistics, and expert guidance on different brands, helping you understand the long-term utility and value of your investment.
When buying any equipment with a digital component, like scanners or imaging units, check its compatibility with your current practice management software. The goal is to create a fully interconnected system where information flows smoothly between stations, avoiding isolated data.
Yes, they are essential. A comprehensive warranty and a clear after-sales support package provide peace of mind and protect your practice against unexpected downtime and costly repairs. Always ask the supplier for full details before you commit to a purchase.
Building a business is about making smart strategic choices at the right time, rather than trying to constantly play catch-up when you see a competitor pulling ahead. In many cases, it’s about making the right moves in a way that puts the fundamentals in place and gets the basics right. If we take building a successful dental practice as an example, we can get a much better idea of what this process will look like.
