New equipment can revolutionise the patient journey. When looking to invest in a new piece of equipment for your practice, it’s important to take the time to work with a supplier who understands the needs of your practice, and who will help you to select a solution which benefits you and your patients. For example, if you’re looking to start offering CBCT imaging in your practice, or would like to upgrade an outdated system, it can be easy to gravitate towards the most cutting-edge systems on the market – but that might not necessarily be the best option for you. As such, it’s important to consider all of the factors which are important to you, and the features you’d like to offer your patients a great experience.
Will it benefit your practice?
First and foremost, it’s important to consider the ways in which a new piece of equipment will benefit your practice. For example, if you provide orthodontic, endodontic, or dental implant treatment in practice, having a CBCT imaging system on-site can be incredibly beneficial. This allows you to gather any information needed from 3D images in one appointment, rather than referring patients elsewhere to return at a later date. Saving time in this way can be very helpful, meaning that a diagnosis can be made more quickly, and treatment planning and acceptance can be reached sooner. This is especially beneficial for busier practices, who tackle lots of complex treatment types.
Additionally, upgrading your equipment can mean that diagnosis and planning is more accurate.[i] This enables you to provide more reliable answers, ultimately resulting in increased success rates for your treatments. Further to this, improved accuracy and reliability can have a positive effect on your practice’s and personal reputation, as patients are likely to be more satisfied with their treatment outcomes and overall experiences.
What’s the learning curve like?
When deciding on new equipment, it is important to consider the ways in which your dental team will adapt, and whether there is a learning curve when it comes to particularly modern solutions. Will you need to arrange for specific education and training to ensure that your team feel confident when using the new equipment? If a new system uses technology which your team are unfamiliar with, it is important to ensure every member of the team feels comfortable using the equipment.
Additionally, it is essential for the new equipment you adopt to integrate with your current workflows, helping to enhance and streamline without creating additional challenges. Practices should also consider sourcing new equipment from suppliers who offer comprehensive post-sale support, with extended warranties, installation help, and the ability to contact the team for help following installation while you and your team get used to your new system. This can make all the difference when making upgrades to your workflows.
How will it impact the patient journey?
When implementing a new technology, its important to consider the benefits it offers both to your practice and patients.[ii] While research suggest that the quality of dental equipment is not a major deciding factor when patients are looking for a dentist, patients may use the physical environment to get an idea of the dentist’s ability and the service they provide.[iii] As such, making wise investments in the right areas can help clinicians build trust with their patients, and ensure that their level of skill is reflected in their surroundings and patient care.
Additionally, considering the ways in which certain pieces of equipment will impact the patient journey itself is important. For instance, if a patient is considering a treatment which requires multiple radiographs, it can be beneficial for them to receive these during their appointments in the practice, rather than being referred elsewhere. This can also be ideal for anxious patients, who would prefer to undergo any procedures under your care, as opposed to anywhere else.
Support in your decisions
When investing in new equipment, Clark Dental offers support before, during and long after installation. With 49 years of experience in the profession, Clark Dental understands the unique needs of dentists and their patients. They work with you to ensure that the investment you make is perfect for your practice. Offering a comprehensive portfolio of cutting-edge systems including treatment centres, cabinetry, imaging systems, CAD/CAM workflows, 3D printing solutions, decontamination equipment and more, their team of engineers install, service and maintain your equipment – offering support at every stage.
Upgrading your dental equipment can be an exciting experience, offering new opportunities for your patients and dental team. However, it’s important that you have access to the right support during the entire process, to ensure that you are making the right choices for you, and are able to seek assistance following installation should you need it.
For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk
[i] Medicai. The evolution of medical imaging systems in 2023. Accessed Dec 23. https://blog.medicai.io/en/the-evolution-of-medical-imaging-systems-in-2023
[ii] Matthews, D. C., et al. “Factors influencing adoption of new technologies into dental practice: a qualitative study.” JDR Clinical & Translational Research 1.1 (2016): 77-85.
[iii] Mazzei, Alessandra, Vincenzo Russo, and Alberto Crescentini. “Patient satisfaction and communication as competitive levers in dentistry.” The TQM Journal 21.4 (2009): 365-381.
