Dean Hallows: Managing Director Of Dental Directory – DD
We often talk about increasing efficiency in the dental practice. It’s all about improving speed of treatment delivery without compromising quality. Ultimately, this improves the patient experience, reduces costs and minimises stress among the clinical team, who have sufficient time to complete their daily tasks with added time pressures. There are many ways to streamline practice routines, many of which will benefit staff and patients alike. Among these, is the opportunity to work with a single supplier of products, equipment and maintenance support services.
Simple procurement
The first advantage of keeping everything in one place, is the reduced administration involved in the sourcing and ordering of products. If all members of the team can turn to the same trusted supplier for information or advice on the latest materials or technologies, this makes it easier for everyone. There are also fewer purchase orders and invoicing needs, with the preferred supplier already set up in the system. In addition, the practice team will likely receive a higher quality of service and support from an expert team that they have built a relationship with over time. By better understanding the practice’s needs, they will become an extension of the practice team, investing in your shared success by providing more tailored advice and updates.
Cost-efficiencies
There are a number of ways in which working with a single supplier can afford cost savings for the practice. The first is the possibility of combined purchase promotions or enhanced pricing for consolidated orders. There are also benefits to be enjoyed from reduced logistics and lower delivery costs as a result of the same. In addition, cost-efficiencies are optimised with the availability of increased value for the purchase price. For example, leading suppliers will offer team training on new equipment or accessible support for professionals looking to maximise on their investment.
With orders in one place, it is also easier for practice staff to more closely manage stock to avoid oversupply or risk running out of products and needing to submit rush orders.
Predictable support
As mentioned, the support provided by your product and equipment supplier will have a significant impact on the success of installation and long-term product life. Working with the same technical team will afford a level of consistency that facilitates the long-term maintenance and servicing of capital equipment, keeping it operational for longer.
It is reassuring for the practice team to have access to technical experts they know, should they have any questions, need to troubleshoot technical errors or ask questions about expanding capabilities. Issues can often be resolved faster because a working relationship exists – there is no need to share a back story or explain the practice set-up every time, as the information will be stored in the company’s database or even be known by the account handler off by heart. An added bonus of this the ease of scalability that comes from working with a support team that know exactly how your business works, what you have in situ already and how you desire to grow.
Value you can depend on
To maximise on the benefits of working with a single supplier for the majority of your product and equipment needs, it’s crucial to choose the right provider for your business. This means selecting a company that you and your patients can rely on through the good times and the trying times.
DD is trusted to be that supply and support partner for more than 12,000 dental practices throughout the UK. The extensive portfolio consists of more than 30,000 solutions, with new innovations constantly being added as the company delivers even greater value – adapting to the evolving needs of the dental profession. Comprehensive technical support and equipment maintenance services are readily available from highly knowledgeable experts specifically trained to test, maintain and repair the brands sold. Monthly service plans help practices remain compliant while keeping costs down too.
Simplicity first
For busy dental practices, finding ways to increase efficiencies is crucial to the smooth daily running of the business. Not only do these lead to cost savings and reduced stress for the clinical and administrative practice teams, but they also support the delivery of excellent dental care and an elevated patient experience. Finding a supplier you can rely on to provide products, equipment and support you trust, all from one source, is an excellent way to consolidate your supply chain for increased value, convenience and cost-efficiency.
For more information on the products and maintenance services available from DD, please visit ddgroup.com or call 0800 585 586
