Total Cost of Ownership

Buying or building a dental practice is a complex and time-consuming endeavour, but thorough planning at the beginning can save both time and money.

One way to start off on the right foot is to understand that the cost of your dental equipment goes far beyond the initial acquisition price. Be sure to consider the Total Cost of Ownership.

Total Cost of Ownership includes both the initial purchase price and the cost of operations and maintenance over the product's life, factoring in both direct and indirect costs to determine the best long-term investment.

Direct costs are upfront expenses such as equipment purchase and installation. Indirect costs include ongoing expenses such as maintenance and repairs, unexpected replacement, and the financial impact of breakdowns that make an operatory temporarily unusable.

Any time your equipment is out of service, it’s not making you money. If you can’t physically treat your patients, not only will your practice suffer financially, it can also negatively impact your reputation which is detrimental in today's competitive market.

Reliability, maintenance, and longevity are all important factors that impact the Total Cost of Ownership and that separate superior equipment from sub-par equipment.

Reliability is priceless

Choosing high-quality dental equipment designed to withstand the rigours of daily use and deliver consistent performance is key. That reliability starts with the manufacturing process. Brands that manufacture their own equipment parts, rather than simply assembling third-party components, have better control over product quality.

A-dec®, for example, manufactures at least 80% of the parts that go into its dental equipment sourcing the raw materials, then turning, drilling, and milling them in-house. By controlling of the quality of each component, A-dec can control the overall quality of its products. That’s one of the reasons it performs so well and lasts so long it’s common to see A-dec equipment still in service 20 years after installation.

Maintenance pays off

Another point to consider when thinking about the Total Cost of Ownership is equipment maintenance. Proper care and maintenance help ensure the health and safety of patients and staff, optimise performance, and prevent costly repairs or early replacement.

Carefully review suppliers' and manufacturer's after-sales service to see if you’ll receive ongoing support to keep your equipment running efficiently. Whilst doing your research, ask your dental supplier about the average cost of maintenance and parts of the brands you’re considering. Speak with your service technician and ask for their feedback on the lifespan, reliability, and ease of maintenance of those brands. Finally, make sure to inquire about the availability of parts. Having fast, easy access to replacement parts can mean the difference between a simple repair and the expense of having to replace an entire chair or delivery system.

Finally, remember that when it comes to equipment, what’s most reliable is often the least complicated. A-dec purposely keeps its designs simple, and as a result, it doesn't need to be repaired as often as other brands. Doctors can handle most repairs and maintenance themselves. And when they do need to call in an experienced service technician, downtime is usually minimal.

Longevity = long-term value

If you purchase high-quality products which have been rigorously tested—and maintain your equipment with regular manufacturer-recommended servicing combined with recommended daily, weekly and annual maintenance protocols—your equipment should last well. Ideally, the dental chair, delivery system, and light you purchase will last for 20 years or more, serving as a core part of your practice as you integrate new technologies and grow.

As you look at your options, consider everything that goes into getting the best return on your investment:

• Is the dental equipment well-built and thoughtfully designed?

• Will it help improve clinic efficiencies?

• Will it stand the test of time?

• Is maintenance easy?

• Is the warranty strong?

• Is the customer service helpful and easy to access?

When you partner with A-dec, the answer to all those questions is a rock-solid “yes.” That’s why private practitioners, dental schools, and government institutions around the world choose A-dec equipment—for its dependability, long service life, and low Total Cost of Ownership.

For more information about A-dec, please contact your local Territory Manager or dealer.