Those of us in the dental industry have heard a lot about dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) over the past decade. Dental cone beam and 3D imaging quickly set the a new level of care for dentists and dental specialists by offering the unprecedented ability to evaluate a patient's dental health in three dimensions.
With the growing appeal of 3D imaging to a dental practice, it begs the question - is my practice ready to offer in-house dental CBCT? If so, what considerations do I need to think about to make my investment the best possible upgrade for my practice?
Every purchasing decision you make as a practice can be measured against its potential to improve patient care. For dental imaging equipment, this measurement centers on image quality balanced with the lowest radiation dose possible. 3D imaging from a reputable manufacturer combines high-quality images with the ability to expand your service offering through detailed diagnoses.
Getting Started with ROI
The potential return on investment (ROI) for imaging equipment is an important deciding factor. To know if you’re ready for in-house CBCT, weigh how new imaging equipment will affect the practice financially. Will it be economically viable? This metric is applied to the smallest pieces of dental equipment, such as handpieces, and is particularly important with your imaging equipment, which is one of the largest investments a practice makes in technology.
Current Imaging Systems
To know if you’re ready for CBCT, look at the profitability of your current imaging setup. Alternatively, if you’re opening a new practice and do not have a current baseline, ask a colleague or referral about their in-house imaging equipment.
If you currently outsource your 3D imaging to a 3rd party, what are the costs and how long do you intend to do so? If you were to add in-house services without the need for outsourcing, could this additional income outweigh the long-term cost of outsourcing your CBCT imaging? Also consider the expansion of services that CBCT can allow you to offer.
Because most CBCT machines in the marketplace today can also take 2D images, do you need to keep both machines? Perhaps you could offset the upfront cost of a CBCT machine with an equipment trade-in program. If you purchase from us at Renew Digital, we can often accept your current equipment as a trade-in to help reduce your up-front cost.
Evaluating Potential Return
Hinted at above, a considerable source of the financial return you can receive from purchasing a dental cone beam system for your practice comes from the additional services you can offer patients. 3D imaging may also help improve patient case acceptance, so you can also evaluate the potential return of more patients proceeding with your recommended treatment.
Conduct a cost-benefit analysis by comparing the upfront cost of a CBCT machine. The cost of your machine will depend on a few factors, including:
● Field of view: Measured in cm, what is the maximum amount of anatomy you need to acquire to perform the procedures you want your practice to offer? I.e., single implants, 2 arches, TMJ, orthognathic surgery, etc.
● New vs. used: New equipment typically has a price tag up to 50% greater than used, ranging $50,000 to $150,000 for a small to mid FOV. If you’re just getting started with CBCT, consider offsetting the initial cost of equipment with a certified pre-owned option, which will function like new and can help give you an understanding of how CBCT will fit into your workflow.
● Additional features: What features do you require with your purchase? Manufacturers have developed many options for CBCT systems, from Ultra-low dosage, facial scanning, and metal artifact reduction.
Investment Ready
Now that you know how to evaluate the costs and potential return from a CBCT purchase, you need to consider your financial options, from financing to an outright purchase. If you need additional financial flexibility, consider a dealer who offers special financing rates. This can help you get started more quickly while giving you an affordable payment plan.
Ready? How to Get Started with Purchasing CBCT
A dental cone beam imaging system purchase is an important and sizable investment for any practice. With careful planning, dental professionals across the country have had financial success with introducing CBCT to their practices. By considering these steps toward investment readiness, you can feel confident in your purchase. Now, it’s time to find the best equipment for your needs.
Over the past ten years, Renew Digital has made a name for ourselves in certified pre-owned dental imaging equipment because we aimed to provide more dental professionals with an affordable imaging solution while delivering the same level of service and support you would expect from a new equipment purchase.
Choosing a used dental cone beam system from Renew Digital gives you the ability to provide your patients with all the benefits of new cone beam technology at significant savings over purchasing new. In fact, most of our customers save up to 50% off the list price of a new cone beam system.
Plus, we include a comprehensive warranty on all of our certified pre-owned dental cone beam systems, covering both parts and labor. Our warranties include unlimited remote support, onsite service, and full-replacement parts for total peace of mind.
Make Renew Digital your go-to source for used dental X-ray equipment and provide your patients with the best possible care at an affordable price. Contact a Renew Digital representative today to find the ideal dental imaging equipment for your practice! Our brand neutral approach allows us to help our customers find the best possible options for their practices and does not limit us to the offerings of a single manufacturer catalog. Start your CBCT evaluation by calling us at 888-246-5611 or get in touch with us by completing an online form.
