When it comes to investing in new equipment in the dental practice, some may be hesitant to upgrade the types of equipment they already have due to the potentially higher upfront cost. However, it’s important to consider the hidden costs that outdated equipment may be causing, in terms of time and monetary expenses when equipment breaks down, or parts that are no longer easily accessible. Additionally, if equipment is slow or unreliable, it may be having an impact on patient care and clinical workflows. Dental professionals must take these factors into account when deciding whether it’s time to upgrade pieces of equipment, and the true value this could offer their practice.
Whilst it may be challenging to keep up-to-date with all of the developments associated with modern dental technology, it is essential to ensure that the equipment used in the practice is of a high standard.
True cost of using outdated equipment
There are several areas where using outdated dental treatment centres may incur significant costs. These factors could include the financial strain from repairs and inefficiencies, compromised patient care and safety, and the potential for compliance to be put at risk. Understanding these areas is key when it comes to decision making for investment in new high-quality equipment.
As equipment ages and becomes outdated, it is likely to lead to inefficiencies in the practice – lacking the advanced features and functions needed to maintain daily workflows. This may mean that what should be a straightforward task, like seeing a patient for a check-up, becomes impossible – potentially leading to cancelled appointments and extended practice downtime. In turn, this may mean that the standards of patient care you aim to provide are compromised, with complications and delays potentially creating frustration, misunderstandings, and other errors.[i]
Further to this, utilising outdated treatment centres inevitably leads to wasted time and money. Workflows can become slow and cumbersome, with issues such as corrosion and water leaks leading to further delays – especially if the equipment is not serviced and maintained regularly. The financial losses associated with this can be significant, as the practice continues to accrue its normal expenses whilst workflows are stunted, and frequent maintenance costs are required.i
Other factors to consider include missed revenue opportunities, staff frustration, loss of referral opportunities, and a negative impact on your reputation. Each of these risks put you at a disadvantage when compared to your competitors.i
Benefits of investing in high-quality equipment
Investing in a high-quality treatment centre offers your practice immediate and long-term benefits. Constant repairs to an outdated treatment centre can become costly, whilst modern systems can actually enhance the dental care you provide – and boost patient satisfaction by making treatments far more comfortable. Ultimately, investing in a superior piece of equipment such as this will ultimately lead to excellent standards of patient care and will grow your practice. It is essential that you consider the various benefits afforded by different treatment centres when selecting new equipment, and the ways it could impact your unique practice. For example, high-quality options support you in your workflows, with new capabilities integrating seamlessly, and modern systems ensuring you and your dental nurse are always on the same page.
What to consider as the tax year ends
Whilst large dental equipment can be a significant investment, it is important that this is not a barrier to your practice growth – particularly considering the impact that fully functional treatment centres, for example, can have on the practice long-term. Additionally, before the tax year comes to an end, clinicians should make sure to claim capital allowances on significant investments – including dental equipment – with the annual investment allowance (AIA) enabling you to claim up to £1 million on qualifying items. In doing so, practices can reduce their taxable income.[ii]
High-quality, reliable solutions
Clark Dental offers a range of high-quality dental treatment centre solutions, with options appropriate for various unique practice types. Its team has worked with dental professionals for over 50 years, supporting them in their dental practice design and equipment decision-making, with their expert advice trusted by many. The range includes the A-dec 500 Pro, supporting your dental team with a new level of connection. The treatment centre is engineered to last, with users able to integrate new clinical capabilities with the existing platform when they are needed. This means your treatment centre can keep up as your practice grows, and Clark Dental’s maintenance service will ensure it keeps working at its optimal – with a 5-10 year warranty on your new treatment centre as long as it is serviced annually.
Investing in new dental equipment is a serious decision, which can have a big impact on practice growth going forward. Therefore, it is important to seek advice from the experts to help select the right solution for you, and consider the ways in which upgrading your equipment can benefit the practice, your team, and most importantly, your patients.
For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk
Author: Stuart Clark Director – Clark Dental Equipment Systems Ltd
[i] Adit. The Cost of Stagnation: How Outdated Dental Software Affects Your Bottom Line. Accessed Dec 25. https://adit.com/outdated-dental-software-hidden-costs
[ii] Gov.uk. Claim capital allowances. Accessed Dec 25. https://www.gov.uk/capital-allowances/annual-investment-allowance
