Trends in Dentistry | Technology Survey
High-Tech Census: Tech Talk
Dental technology experts track trends, offer insights.
| | THE EXPERTS
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| | Dr. John Flucke: “When the economy is down, that’s the time to really…set yourself apart. Investing in and using technology is a great way to do that.”
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| | Dr. Emmott: “Computer hadware should be upgraded or replaced every three to four years. Hardware is a bargain, quality is up and prices are down." |
Computer hardware is hot, DIAGNOdent and digital impression tools are cooking, but those computerized shade-matching devices and digital x-ray systems, well, they’re smoking.
According to DPR’s annual Technology Census, conducted this spring, those technologies sit atop the list of dentists’ planned purchases this year. On average, slightly more than one out of five dentists will line up for shade-matching and digital x-ray (intraoral sensor-based) systems, and a few less for the other products.
All of which begs the question: How many more dentists would add these technologies and others if this country’s economy were running on all burners (to raid the thermal metaphor bin yet again)?
As tends to happen, one question begets others: Should dentists, in fact, put off purchases during an economic downturn? Or can there be advantages to beefing up an office with new technology at these times? And economics aside, what are some good, basic guidelines when considering adding new equipment?
To help sort out these issues and provide insights into related technological topics, DPR contacted Dr. Larry Emmott, its technology columnist, and Dr. John Flucke, technology editor for Dental Practice Report Digital Edition.
Read on. It’s hot stuff.
TALK
DPR’s 2008 survey showed some interesting, steady trends. For example, when asked what technologies they planned to purchase this year, 22% of dentists said computerized shade-matching devices (vs. 7% in 2005) and intraoral sensor-based digital x-ray system (vs. 13% in 2005). As for the remaining top five products (with the exception of digital impression-taking tools, which weren’t available in 2005), they also showed significant gains in popularity compared to three years ago (see “Top 5 Technologies”).
DPR: Given today’s slow economy, we imagine some dentists are putting off such purchases. Does it make sense to wait? And do you have any basic shopping tips for dentists planning to buy equipment?
Dr. Emmott: Before investing in a brand new technology, make sure you are getting the most out of what you already have. Spend time and money on training and setting up good office systems and procedures to maximize the technology and the people in the office.
Next, establish a goal—or better yet, a vision of what the office will be like in the future and how technology will enhance the practice. Too often dentists buy random technology with no clear vision of how it will be implemented. Or, they do not buy technology because they do not see a value. Either way, they are losing out. My mission is to help dentists see how technology can help the office and save money. Buying the right technology and using it effectively is not an expense but an investment that will pay for itself over and over again.
Dr. Flucke: No matter what the economic climate, there will always be reasons not to do something. When the economy is soaring I’ve heard people say, “I can’t invest in the stock market, it’s all too expensive.” However, during market downturns these same people tell me, “I can’t invest in the stock market with the economy in the tank.”
When the economy is down, that’s the time to really fine-tune your practice and your marketing. It’s also the time to set yourself apart. Investing in and using technology is a great way to do that. Now obviously, if you’re practicing in an area that is really down, it may make sense to wait, but for most practices an investment in technology can bring a boost to your practice in patients and overall office attitude. We routinely get new patients through direct referrals and through our reputation as providing the best care possible through our use of technology.
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