Trading in Your Used Dental X-Ray Equipment: What to Know

The dental industry is constantly evolving, with exciting, new advancements in tech driving the need for updated equipment.

Extraoral X-ray machines, in particular, are essential tools for diagnostics and treatment planning. For most practices, from panos, pan/cephs to CBCTs, these are essential for the day-to-day operations and all diagnostic work.

And, they're one of the most significant equipment purchases you'll make in a dental practice.

However, if you're thinking about upgrading to the latest technology, you may be left with older equipment that you no longer need... but still retains some value from your original purchase.

This is where the trade-in market for dental imaging equipment comes into play. But who exactly trades in this equipment, and how does the process work?

Why Trade-In Your Imaging Equipment?

The primary source of used dental X-ray equipment comes from other dental practices like yours.

As practices grow and technology advances, many dentists choose to upgrade their imaging equipment to take advantage of the latest features, such as enhanced image quality, lower radiation doses, or advanced 3D imaging capabilities.

When deciding to upgrade, practices often look for ways to offset the cost of new equipment by trading in their existing machines.

• Access to Advanced Technology: Newer machines offer features that can improve diagnostics and patient care.
• Financial Incentives: Trade-in programs provide a cost-effective way to upgrade, reducing the financial burden of purchasing new equipment.
• Space Efficiency: Replacing older, bulkier equipment with more compact, modern alternatives can free up valuable space in the practice.

What Is My Equipment Worth?

One of the biggest questions we get here at Renew, whether for a trade-in or an outright purchase, is what is my existing equipment worth?

Which makes sense of course, who wouldn't want to know?

Before we can accept a dental X-ray machine for trade-in and provide a trade-in offer, your Sales Representative will first collect some information about your existing unit. 

Determining Eligibility

First, we will need to know the manufacturer, model, age (i.e. year of manufacture) and exposure count (think mileage on a car) of the unit you wish to trade in. Here at Renew, you'll also hear about the brands we purchase from. This is unique to Renew, as are selective over the brands we choose to work with - that we can ensure will be a good fit in a new home.

Renew Digital only purchases recent direct-digital models from leading manufacturers including Carestream/Kodak, Gendex, i-CAT, Instrumentarium, DEXIS/KaVo, Planmeca, Sirona, and Vatech. All of this information can generally be found on the main serial plate of your X-ray.

If your Sales Representative determines that your dental imaging equipment is a model that we currently purchase, then they may ask about its condition and maintenance and/or service history. Renew Digital typically only purchases quality dental imaging equipment that has been well-maintained and is in perfect working order at pick-up.

Providing a Trade-In Value

If the unit is a model that we buy, is in perfect working condition, and has been well-maintained, then your Sales Representative will request additional information about the X-ray or CBCT system in order to provide a trade-in value.

Several factors help determine the value of a used dental X-ray machine, including age (by determining year of manufacture), use (by verifying exposure count, if applicable), physical condition (by evaluating cosmetic flaws), and included features (such as bitewings).Your Sales Representative may ask you to send photos of your dental imaging equipment from several angles, pictures of the unit’s serial plates, sample clinical images (with PHI removed, of course) and other important product information so they can provide the most accurate valuation.

Once they have received and evaluated all of these details, your Sales Representative will provide you with a trade-in offer. If you accept the trade-in price, they will send a Purchase Agreement for you to sign, and then will deduct the value of your equipment from the total price listed on your new Sales Agreement.

Trade-In Process

Once the Purchase and Sales Agreements are signed and accepted, then you will be assigned to our Project Coordinator team. This group of experts will work with you every step of the way to manage the collection process. Based on the equipment you're trading in, they will either coordinate removal of your existing X-ray machine, so we can begin the installation or shipment process for your “new” dental equipment. Your dedicated Project Coordinator team will take care of every detail from start to finish so you can focus on what matters most – caring for your patients.

If you wish to upgrade to newer digital 2D panoramic or cephalometric X-ray or are ready to make the move to dental cone beam, but you are concerned about what do with your existing X-ray machine, the Renew Digital trade-in program may be exactly what you are looking for. 

Ready to Get Started? Contact Renew!

For over 14 years, we’ve been the market leaders in certified pre-owned dental imaging. And, we’ve worked with thousands of dental professionals across the country to connect them with the right machine at the right price.

Don’t just take our word for it, check out our over 400 five-star reviews on Google from our very satisfied customers!

Plus, we back the quality of our pre-owned equipment through a rigorous system of testing and inspection and then give peace of mind with a comprehensive parts and labor warranty. You can be sure the equipment we install will work safely and effectively for many years to come.

We also provide full-service installation, training, and project management services, just as you would receive if you purchased a new machine.

Find dental imaging equipment that works best for you with a call to (888) 246-5611, or complete an online form here.