Purchasing new equipment and technology for your practice or upgrading currently owned equipment is indeed a critical part of running a practice. And not surprisingly, it’s also something many readers are doing solely to expand and improve the services they provide.

Our latest DPR exclusive survey—the 2007 Dental Equipment Survey—reveals what you currently own and what you’re thinking about purchasing (see “About this DPR survey,” page 63.) Dr. Jeff Blank, who recently built his new Carolina Smile Center facility (www.carolinasmilecenter.com) in Fort Mill, S.C., shares some of his thoughts on dental equipment and efficiency.

“When building a new office or renovating/updating an existing office, one can anticipate spending nearly as much on dental equipment, technology, and computer networks as the up-fitting itself,” Dr. Blank said. “And it will be the best money you ever spent.”

Dr. Blank, whose practice emphasizes cosmetic and complex restorative dentistry, made sure his new practice had everything he needed to perform at his best. But it is just as important for existing practices to have the equipment necessary to provide patients with the best possible care.

“Working with a professional architect who is well-versed in dental design is a must,” Dr. Blank said. “Wide corridors, spacious operatories, central sterilization that permits multiple personnel to work at the same time, a lab insulated from the clinical environment, and privacy for VIP patients—they’re all essential.

“Most major dental equipment companies provide extremely valuable assistance in plumbing, wiring, radiographic compliance, and the integration of high-tech equipment. I used Patterson Dental and their service was extraordinary. They met every deadline, sometimes working well into the night. One key element that must be incorporated into every new dental office is conduit running from each dental chair to the CPU. As technology increases, USB cables at the chair must access the CPU.”

Patterson Dental Vice President of Marketing John Bettencourt said a growing number of dentists are adding technology and equipment to improve their patient services and their professional standing with their patients.

“We continue to see strong demand for technology and new equipment in the operatory, as well as efficient staff and patient flow throughout the office,” Bettencourt said. “Dental professionals understand that updating the office is one of the fastest, most effective ways to create an improved patient experience and to enhance their professional image.

“Whether implementing cone beam imaging or CAD/CAM technology or upgrading to a seamlessly integrated software/digital x-ray system, taking advantage of the established relationships a full-service dealer has with leading manufacturer partners provides solutions that meet the highest standards for efficiency and production today and in the years to come.”

Computers have various uses—including many that lead to more efficient, better care for your patients—so it’s no surprise that more of our readers are using computers in the operatory. In DPR’s March 2007 Technology Census1, close to eight in 10 GPs with treatment room computers used them for scheduling, treatment planning, and patient education, while other very popular uses for them included intraoral video cameras (72%), tooth charting (68%), periodontal charting (66%), and digital radiography (65%).

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