The provision of excellent dentistry today relies on a number of factors – and the modern dental practice must consider and optimise each one every day. Several pieces of equipment are essential to the provision of patient care and streamlined professional workflows, and these must be maintained to prevent technical issues and disruptions to services. For complete peace of mind, it’s important to establish a partnership with your support provider, ensuring that they become so much more than an emergency contact.
The real cost
When dental equipment is not correctly maintained and frequently tested, the practice leaves itself vulnerable to malfunctions and breakdowns. The cost of such events extends far beyond the initial price of repairs or replacements – although seeking these on an emergency basis will certainly cost a pretty penny if contingencies are not in place.
In addition to the expenses for engineer call-outs, new parts, or entirely new machines, practices must consider the cost of downtime. Overheads and other fixed costs will still need to be paid even if appointments are cancelled and income is significantly reduced. Further still, there are financial implications resulting from reduced patient and professional satisfaction. For example, if the only CT machine in the practice breaks down and is out of action for a day, that would mean delayed treatment and unhappy patients, as well as a highly stressed team. A one-off can’t always be helped, but if this were to happen twice, patient loyalty and staff retention could both be thrown into jeopardy, costing the business profoundly over time.
Preventing the preventable
Thankfully, all of this is easily avoided. With regular assessment and maintenance, all equipment can be kept running smoothly and without issues for longer. This requires the practice team to understand not only how to use the technology safely and correctly, but also how to perform any necessary daily or weekly testing. Regular team training should be designed to deliver the knowledge that individuals need, ensuring they are confident in their roles.
Annual validation by an appropriately-trained engineer is a legal requirement for equipment like autoclaves, so arranging this at the very least is crucial for practice compliance. However, working with technical experts you trust to service your equipment and make minor refinements or repairs as frequently as needed is important for preventing bigger problems or complete breakdowns. This creates a preventive rather than reactive approach, saving your practice money, time, and stress.
Evolution of supplier relationships
The realisation of this preventive-based equipment management style requires a solid working relationship with your service supplier. It is the difference between a one-time interaction to check specific equipment, and the development of a true business partner that really understands your practice, your goals, and your products. The result is a technical support team that can accurately anticipate your needs, suggesting solutions even before you are aware you need them. Your equipment remains in excellent shape and your practice operates as efficiently as it possibly can.
Enhanced future-proofing
Even more than this, the evolution of your service supplier relationship will create new opportunities for clinical diversity and business growth. Your business partner will be well-placed to provide informed guidance and bespoke advice on new technologies that might suit your practice. Whether you’re looking to introduce new treatment options, expand your dentist team, or refurbish existing surgeries, having access to equipment and design expertise will unlock confidence for your decision-making process.
When you work with Dental Directory, for example, you receive comprehensive support from an extensive team of engineers, product developers, sales professionals and more. They will take the time to really get to know you and your business, allowing them to provide carefully tailored, time-efficient, and cost-effective support for your practice. Various service plans will keep your equipment functioning for years to come, while assistance for practice design and refurbishment is always readily available should you need it. This is an area that Dental Directory has invested in heavily during recent months to ensure that you receive the highest standard of support.
Work smarter
The equipment in a dental practice is integral to its every day processes, but the relationships that support this technology is just as important. By building relationships with your provider, and using them more than someone to call only in emergencies, you can prevent costly downtime in your practice, minimise disruption and ensure consistent growth.
For more information on the products and maintenance services available from Dental Directory, please visit ddgroup.com or call 0800 585 586
Author: Dean Hallows, Managing Director of Dental Directory
