Purchasing dental equipment? Here’s what every dentist needs to know

Your clinic is only as sophisticated and efficient as the equipment you use. However, when purchasing new equipment to add to your dental clinic’s diagnostic ability or to update old models, there is a lot you must consider. After all, it is a significant expense and you mustn’t end up wasting your money. So, take a look at a handy checklist of equipment that you must have and guidelines to follow when making a purchase decision.

Look at the essential dental equipment every dental clinic must have

• Dental patient chairs
• Irrigation tubing
• Headlamps
• Sterilisation equipment
• X-ray imaging equipment
• Pliers, mirrors, handpieces, etc.

Now that you know what your dental clinic needs, look at what you should keep in mind while purchasing dental equipment.

1. Plan how and where you are going to set up the new equipment

Before you order your new equipment, it is important that you plan its placement. Look at the available space and decide what will go where. Consider if you need to move other furniture or certain equipment to a different room. Once you create a detailed blueprint, only then place an order. This step is important, as it ensures that your clinic is not congested and the available space is well-utilized. This will make certain that your patients and you are comfortable when you perform a procedure.

2. Know the shelf life of the equipment before you purchase it

Before making any purchase, it is essential for you to know the shelf life of the piece of equipment. This will help you decide if you should buy or hire the equipment and ensure that you make a smart decision. Also, you will be able to make the best use of the budget that you have earmarked for equipment purchase.

3. Train yourself and your staff on how to use the equipment

If you’re diversifying into dental implants, it is likely that you will order a new piece of equipment that has never been used by your staff. So, conduct a training session to educate your staff on how to use and maintain the equipment. This will minimize any damage to the machine and prevent additional costs. Besides, your patients should always feel that experts are caring them for. Untrained, hesitant staff will give off a poor impression and hamper repeat visits.

4. Have a strategy that promotes the use of your new equipment

If you have added dental implants to your list of services or invested in equipment for pediatric dentistry, you must advertise your new services. This will ensure that your clientele is aware of your new offerings, and will visit you instead of another dentist. Use social media or other methods, such as patient management software, to spread the word. Not only will you be able to draw more patients to your facility, but you will also be able to get better returns on your investment.

5. Consider taking a business loan instead of using working capital

While your working capital is meant to run your practice, pay utility bills and stock supplies, it is also used to pay your employees’ salaries. So, instead of utilizing your working capital to buy equipment, play it safe and opt for an affordable business loan instead. This way you can repay the loan each month while using the equipment you have bought to generate income simultaneously. You can also choose to prepay your loan in case you have excess funds and reserve your working capital to take care of other clinic expenses.

When choosing a business loan, it is essential you look for one that is tailor made to suit the needs of your profession. For instance, Bajaj Finserv offers a customized loan for the purchase of medical equipment. With this Medical Equipment Loan, you can avail up to Rs. 15 crore at an affordable interest rate. In addition, you don’t have to submit collateral, it is easy to qualify for, and you can apply for it, and manage it online. When making purchases for your dental clinic, you can simply use your pre-approved offer from Bajaj Finserv and get access to the amount you qualify instantly, and put your clinic on the fast track to better profits.