CBCT imaging offers significant advantages to dental practices that routinely provide advanced treatment solutions. While many dental professionals view CBCT scanners primarily as diagnostic tools, particularly for complex endodontic, implant and orthodontic procedures, their potential extends far beyond this element. When utilised efficiently, CBCT scanners can become revenue-generating assets, making it crucial for dental teams to maximise their capabilities to achieve the best return on investment (ROI).
Improve clinical decision making
The increased visualisation that CBCT imaging provides has been shown to significantly impact clinical decision-making among practitioners. Evidence indicated that specialists will often change their treatment plans after a CBCT image is produced.[i] This underscores the importance of obtaining comprehensive clinical information prior to planning, ensuring that decisions are tailored to each individual patient’s unique anatomy and clinical situation.
Similar results have been found across the dental disciplines. For example, in endodontics, CBCT can substantially improve therapeutic decision efficacy.[ii] The literature also supports use of CBCT in cases of impacted teeth, orthognathic or craniofacial surgery, as well as other orthodontic indications.[iii]
In addition, CBCT imaging has become synonymous with dental implants, especially in complex cases of reduced bone volume, sinus lifts and augmentation procedures. Studies even suggest that patient trust can be boosted by the utilisation of a CBCT image as an adjunct to standard panoramic radiography during the diagnostic and treatment planning phase.[iv] The development of low-dose CBCT combats previous concerns about patient exposure to radiation, facilitating precise images and accurate diagnostics without compromising safety.[v]
Higher quality patient care and happier patients will ultimately encourage treatment acceptance and deliver increased revenue to the practice. Furthermore, positive patient reviews will help to build the practice’s reputation and secure future business.
Enhance speciality services
Business growth is a top priority for most practices and many do this by developing their specialist services. Whether the team includes in-house or visiting experts, the availability of an on-site CBCT will allow clinicians to perform at the highest level while attracting a broader patient base with more complex treatment needs.
As already mentioned, speciality areas that benefit include endodontics and orthodontics, as do those providing TMJ assessment and disorder management, sleep disorder therapies, and all manner of oral surgery. In providing the equipment these specialists need in your practice, you can offer more specialist appointments and attract more patients for increased revenue potential. You may also be a more enticing prospect for skilled clinicians looking to advance their career opportunities, who can develop their own patient base.
Expand referrals
In the same vein, expanding your services will also unlock new ways to grow your referral network. Many practices do not see enough complex cases to justify investing in a CBCT scanner themselves, meaning they rely on trusted colleagues for imaging services.
To capitalise on this predicament, some simple marketing is needed to communicate your new imaging and specialist services to local practices. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – sending direct mail or dropping flyers through doors will do the job very effectively. You may also consider hosting study clubs or other CPD events for local dentists that promote the CBCT imaging services available.
Training and education
For many dental professionals – including all members of the team – skill development and career progression are essential to job satisfaction. The implementation of a CBCT scanner within the practice affords opportunities for many to benefit from. Dental nurses, dental hygienists and therapists, and dentists can all undergo dedicated training to operate CBCT scanners as part of their patient’s treatment. Not only does this introduce new skills to their armamentarium, but it also enables them to diversify their work and engage with patients in a new way. Staff retention might not be a direct revenue stream, but not having to recruit new members will certainly save the business money in the long-term.
What’s more, CBCT training may be offered in partnership with appropriate organisations to external dental professionals as an extra source of income to the practice.
Choose the right equipment
To benefit from all of this and more, it is important to choose the right CBCT scanner for your practice. If you are introducing your first technology of this kind, it is essential that the model you select be intuitive and easy to use, and that it caters to all your needs. The CS 8200 3D Access from Carestream Dental is ideal, providing a versatile 4-in-1 solution that makes CBCT imaging accessible to all. The user-friendly interface is designed for dental teams with any level of experience, and the open network facilitates a seamless workflow no matter what other technologies you wish to integrate.
CBCT imaging is more than just a diagnostic tool – it is a powerful business asset that can drive substantial revenue growth when used strategically. From enhancing clinical decision-making to expanding specialty services, attracting referrals, and offering training opportunities, CBCT technology provides multiple income streams that can significantly improve your practice’s profitability.
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Author:
Nimisha Nariapara is the Trade Marketing Manager at Carestream Dental covering the UK, Middle East, Nordics, South Africa, Russia and CIS regions. She has worked at Carestream Dental for the past 7 years, where she has developed her marketing skills and industry knowledge to bring the core values and philosophy of the company to the market.
[i] Rodríguez Mazón M, Garcia-Font M, Doria G, Durán-Sindreu F, Abella F. Influence of Cone-beam Computed Tomography in Clinical Decision-making among Different Specialists in External Cervical Resorption Lesions: A Before-After Study. J Endod. 2022 Sep;48(9):1121-1128. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2022.05.010. Epub 2022 Jun 8. PMID: 35690274.
[ii] Mota de Almeida, Fernando & Knutsson, Kerstin & Flygare, Lennart. (2014). The effect of cone beam CT (CBCT) on therapeutic decision-making in endodontics. Dento maxillo facial radiology. 43. 20130137. 10.1259/dmfr.20130137.
[iii] Kapila SD, Nervina JM. CBCT in orthodontics: assessment of treatment outcomes and indications for its use. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2015;44(1):20140282. doi: 10.1259/dmfr.20140282. PMID: 25358833; PMCID: PMC4277443.
[iv] Hussaini S, Glogauer M, Sheikh Z, Al-Waeli H. CBCT in Dental Implantology: A Key Tool for Preventing Peri-Implantitis and Enhancing Patient Outcomes. Dent J (Basel). 2024 Jun 26;12(7):196. doi: 10.3390/dj12070196. PMID: 39056983; PMCID: PMC11276053.
[v] Kaaber L, Matzen LH, Schropp L, Spin-Neto R. Low-dose CBCT protocols in implant dentistry: a systematic review. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2024 Sep;138(3):427-439. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2024.03.013. Epub 2024 Apr 6. PMID: 38679501.
