Old Dental Equipment: They May Be Holding Your Clinic Back!

Look, it is not that all types of old dental apparatus are obsolete at this point. If it still works and gets the job done, then more power to you.

However, you can’t deny that if they are slowly showing becoming unusable, there are comprehensive advantages to investing in new dental equipment as soon as possible. 

Costs of Maintenance

One point of debate that most would consider first is that purchasing new equipment is expensive. But contrary to this belief, maintenance costs more over time. For example, a treatment centre well over its useful life will start showing its age. And while it feels like you’re saving, the costs of fixing the lights or chair will accumulate.

In contrast, opting for something new will cost more upfront due to the down payment. However, the equipment practically pays for itself in extra functionality. Plus, you also save yourself all the extra headache of worrying if something goes wrong. And you can focus on your dental practice and the patient’s dental health better.

Think of the Patients

When analysing a dental clinic, it’s equally vital that you understand the patient’s perspective. And the sight of equipment that’s older doesn’t spark confidence. Sure, it stands to reason that patients should focus on the treatment instead of the tools. But logic is the last thing that comes to mind when looking at handpieces and turbines.

The wear and tear will also show in places you least expect and where others notice first.

• Lack of Comfort

Comfort plays a crucial role in any dental appointment because you want to feel relaxed when receiving treatment, but older equipment struggles in this field. For example, while the dental chair may be functional, it’s not necessarily comfortable. So, your patients might be enduring more than you realise. What’s worse, it leaves a bad impression and drives people away.

• Perceived Utility

Other than the comfort point of view, older equipment doesn’t scream utility. And while you may know that it works perfectly fine, the patient is in the dark. As a result, it creates the same negative impression as a lack of comfort. And your patients will think that you’re providing subpar or mediocre care. Of course, you understand that it’s not the case, but others may think otherwise.

Lack of Automation

Lastly, if there’s one thing holding back your dental practice because of old equipment, it’s automation. More specifically, the lack of it and future integration.

The world of technology has evolved tremendously in the past few decades. In fact, even fast-food chains are finding success with automated processes. Meanwhile, in the case of dental care, automating labour-intensive activities is becoming the norm. And whether it’s through smart technology or for imaging, times are changing.

Yes, you can still get the same job done by yourself. But it does come at the expense of extra time and reduced efficiency.

A Start of Something New

Overall, while maximising the utility of the current apparatus may seem viable, buying new dental equipment is far more advantageous. And the benefits far outweigh any costs incurred. Plus, with the advancement in equipment utility and functionality, you’ll be getting more bang for your buck. This means every little bit will go to better services in the long term. So instead of accounting for the price alone, reconsider what you get in return first!