![](https://img.medicalexpo.com/images_me/projects/images-g/top-five-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-buying-dental-chair-53607-20339473.jpg)
#Industry News
Top Five Questions To Ask Yourself When Buying a Dental Chair
Key Questions to Ask Before Purchasing Dental Equipment: Future-Proof Your Practice
Purchasing dental equipment is one of the largest financial commitments dentists will face when setting up or refurbishing a dental practice. Making the right decisions ensures smooth performance today and sets the foundation for future success. Before making any major purchase, ask yourself these five key questions to ensure your investment aligns with your practice’s long-term goals.
1. What If It Fails?
“What if it fails?” is one of the most critical questions to ask when buying dental equipment. Equipment failures, especially larger equipment like dental chairs, can disrupt your practice, leading to cancelled appointments, delayed treatments, and costly repairs. Downtime can also harm patient satisfaction and damage your reputation which you have worked hard to build.
All equipment is subject to wear and tear, but some brands stand out for their durability and support. Selecting reliable equipment with accessible servicing options is essential. For instance, A-dec provides training programs for technicians, ensuring quick and efficient repairs. Prioritising technical expertise enhances customer service, reduces downtime, and helps keep your practice running seamlessly. Investing in equipment that trained professionals can service efficiently ensures correct problem diagnosis and solutions implemented, sustaining both productivity and patient confidence.
2. What Will It Really Cost Me?
Understanding the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is essential in evaluating dental equipment purchases. TCO accounts for all costs over the equipment's lifespan, including initial purchase price, maintenance and repairs.
Cheaper dental equipment options might seem attractive upfront but often come with higher maintenance fees and shorter lifespans. Alternatively, higher-quality brands, like A-dec, often provide superior long-term value. A-dec offers warranties of up to five years, reflecting confidence in their product’s longevity. Such warranties not only reduce unexpected costs but also provide peace of mind.
Spare parts like suction hoses and filters are another factor to consider. These costs can vary significantly between brands and affect your overall costs. Additionally, ask about spare parts and servicing options to ensure you’re not left with costly repair bills or equipment downtime.
To evaluate the TCO effectively, divide the total cost of the equipment (including maintenance) by its lifespan to determine the average annual cost. Opting for reliable, long-lasting equipment is often the most cost-effective choice.
3. Is It Future-Proof?
Your equipment should not only meet your current needs but also accommodate the future growth of your practice. This includes integrating new technologies, expanding services, or adding additional team members.
As digital dentistry becomes more common, ensure your equipment can integrate seamlessly with future advancements. Dental chairs and delivery systems designed for digital compatibility allow for upgrades or additions without needing full replacements.
Additionally, consider versatile options like ambidextrous dental units, which can accommodate both right- and left-handed practitioners. This adaptability is valuable as your team grows and ensures your equipment remains functional over time. The A-dec 500 delivery system seamlessly integrates with most clinical devices, allowing you to work with your preferred instruments. As your practice evolves, the system offers flexibility to reconfigure and adopt new capabilities. With six customisblecustomisable positions on the control head, you can integrate multiple combination of handpieces, from cameras and scalers to curing lights and electric motors.
Future-proof equipment helps you stay competitive and supports the growth of your practice without significant disruptions or additional costs.
4. How Will It Impact My Health?
The health and well-being of dental professionals are critical to a successful practice. Long hours and repetitive motions can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, which can affect your productivity and even shorten your career.
Ergonomic equipment is essential for maintaining proper posture and reducing strain. For example, the A-dec Continental delivery system minimises handpiece pull-back, reducing fatigue and improving efficiency.
When selecting dental equipment, look out for designs that promote proper posture for both you and the patient. The A-dec 521 stool is designed to adapt to your every movement, offering all-day comfort and support. Its contoured backrest cradles the spine, particularly the lower lumbar region, for optimal posture. The tilted seat evenly distributes weight from the seat to the feet, promoting circulation. Optional swing-out armrests provide additional support while working.
Dentists work hard to excel in their profession, don’t let musculoskeletal disorders hinder your progress or cut your career short.
5. What Will My Patients Think?
While functionality is crucial, the significance of maintaining an aesthetically pleasing practice and dental equipment should not be underestimated. The dental equipment you choose will influence how patients perceive your practice and can directly affect their comfort and satisfaction.
A comfortable, well-designed dental chair can help nervous patients feel at ease, creating a more positive experience. Additionally, an organised delivery system layout tailored to the dentist's specific requirements helps to improve efficiency and flow, benefiting both patients and staff.
A-dec chairs are rigorously tested to ensure durability and comfort. The A-dec 500 chair, tested to withstand four times its weight limit of 227 kg (35.7 stone), demonstrates its reliability and commitment to patient safety.
By considering patient comfort alongside functionality, you can enhance the overall experience and build trust and loyalty within your patient base.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dental equipment involves looking beyond the initial cost. Consider factors such as reliability, TCO, adaptability, ergonomics, and patient experience. Investing in equipment that prioritises these areas helps to ensure your practice runs efficiently, supports your health, and provides the highest standard of care to patients.
Brands like A-dec offer solutions designed for long-term reliability, ergonomic benefits, and patient satisfaction, making them a trusted choice for future-proofing your practice.