The financial outlays of a dental practice are often monitored based on tangible figures such as invoices, stock, revenue, and more. However, though not as immediately observable, there are multiple overlooked hidden costs within daily operations. Especially damaging events are broken equipment, inadequate technical support, or delayed delivery. These lead to practice downtime, which causes more than merely the immediate inconvenience.
Value over cost
When comparing suppliers, it is common for many practices to prioritise equipment prices and perceived savings on the initial outlay. While seemingly rational, by choosing to work with a reliable supplier, opposed to the cheapest, the hidden costs surrounding downtime can be avoided.
This means preventing some of the many financial repercussions that can accumulate quickly when price is the only consideration. A slightly more expensive piece of equipment is far more appealing when it requires less frequent repairs, allowing surgeries to remain active, and in turn, maintain patient appointments, delivering the treatment patients need, when they need it. Breakdowns within a practice ceases treatments whilst also generating costs in terms of staff downtime, and appointment rescheduling, as well as increasing the administrative load and requiring time to rearrange appointments. Avoiding these will be more cost-effective over time.
This also entails considering the cost of anticipated maintenance or possible repairs. Value is then reframed; a slightly higher premium is likely far less costly in the long-run when it comes with assess to product dependability, reliable engineer support, and consistent stock.
Trustworthy suppliers ensure that practices are not left waiting days for integral spare parts or repairs, which avoids detriment to the business. For example, one singular cancelled day of appointments can result in thousands of pounds in revenue lost, as well as operational and reputational setbacks. When multiplied across numerous days per year, the financial impact becomes profound, especially in the field of work that is already dictated by tight budgets and competitivity. Additionally, the importance of selecting a strong supplier partnership can be underscored by an assessment of your practice’s loss in hours due to delayed deliveries or lack of stock.
Patient trust is integral
Downtime can significantly impact the trust that patients place in practices. Patients rely on efficiency and coherence which, when denied, can deter them from returning.
This loss of confidence and subsequent loss of patients might not be immediately noticeable financially, but will certainly become visible through reduced loyalty and referrals, and even poor reviews. The damaged reputation can be just as costly as the financial consequences of cancelled appointments, particularly for the future development of the practice. Additionally, the increased marketing fees spent on rebuilding public perception and attracting new patients can become a very costly consequence.
What makes a reliable supplier?
The greatest prevention of downtime is choosing the right supplier. A trustworthy partner will not simply declare their reliability, but prove it. They will: maintain consistent stock availability, guarantee rapid delivery; and provide qualified, trained engineers to fix issues quickly and first time.
Reliable customer care is also represented by the preventative measures that a supplier provides. Compliance checks and regular equipment servicing each assist with preventing the issues that lead to practice disruption. By prioritising these qualities, practices are investing in a much more beneficial relationship with their partner than purely transactional, protecting the longitudinal success of each practice.
The value in strong partnership
Dental Directory is a supplier that has supported practices in avoiding downtime and the risks associated with it for over 50 years. With a portfolio of thousands of products and equipment solutions with speedy delivery, practices avoid running out of stock and being forced to cancel appointments. Furthermore, Dental Directory provides unrivalled technical support via highly trained engineers – on-site within 8 working hours, boasting a 92% First Time Fix Rate. Dental Directory also offers preventative maintenance measures including software updates, equipment servicing, and compliance checks, ensuring that downtime is entirely minimised.
Protecting your practice’s future
Ultimately, the greatest cost for practices is never exclusively the amount on the invoice. The right supplier will add value to your practice in ways that assist you overall. Frequent downtime means a much greater loss than mere income, but risks reputation, patient loyalty, staff morale, and workflow efficiency. Choosing a supplier with this in mind is one of the most fundamentally important decisions you can make for your practice.
For more information on the products and maintenance services available from Dental Directory, please visit ddgroup.com or call 0800 585 586
Author: Dean Hallow – Managing Director of Dental Directory
