It is time to start thinking about upgrading the technology in your practice.
Realize every practice is different. If your computer system is 10 years old, you may want to invest in new computer equipment and software. If your dental chairs are 30 years old, it might be time for replacements. If your phone system is three years old or less, then it is probably sufficient for a few more years.
Investing in technology can greatly enhance your practice, but it must be the right technology. Selecting the wrong technologies can cost practices time, production and profitability. Technical innovations are not limited to high-ticket items such as software and equipment, but also include new products, materials and supplies. Before investing in new technology, practices should answer these 10 questions:
Providing excellent patient care is your number one goal. Any technology helps you achieve this goal should be investigated thoroughly. Dental practices are inundated with information on new products and services – everything from expensive equipment to disposable gloves. Some products, even though good, may not be right for your practice and your patients.
Anything that makes you and your team faster and better should be considered. Boosting productivity and removing bottlenecks leads to increased profitability. When new products and services help the team work more efficiently, quality of care increases, stress is reduced, and team members become happier and more effective.
There are two ways a practice can increase profitability – increase production or cut costs. Finding a better product at a less expensive price can reduce overhead. However, many products come with hidden costs that are not readily apparent at first. That’s why we recommend using a new product for a 90-day trial period before incorporating it permanently into the practice.
Practices are always on the lookout for new revenue sources. For example, many dentists initially opposed offering whitening and other cosmetic products, but most have come to realize patients want to beautify their smiles and will pay to do so. Sales representatives can be an excellent source of information on how to incorporate new products and services in the practice.
Many dental offices have switched to open filing systems that eliminate safety hazards associated with opening and closing drawers. Safety is an investment that pays off in reduced accidents, decreased injuries and less stress for the staff. Practices should look for opportunities to improve safety through innovation and technology.
If new technology slows down team members or creates new bottlenecks, then it probably is not right for your practice. Practice management software can be a boon to the practice, but if it does not allow front desk personnel to move easily among scheduling, billing, and collections, then you probably will want to look at other software.
Look down the road five years. Will the technology last that long? What are the trends regarding the technology? If it is a substantial investment like a CAD / CAM system, how long will it take the practice pay for the investment? By the time you make your last payment, what are the chances that the technology be obsolete? Hard to predict, but a question that must be analyzed.
It’s hard to change just one thing in your practice, because everything is interconnected. For example, if you decide to switch to another adhesive, you need to see how it will work with the crowns and veneers you are currently placing. On a larger scale, if you are thinking about purchasing a digital x-ray system, you need to see if it is compatible with your current practice management software. Having systems that do not interact with each other creates practice bottlenecks and undercuts efficiencies. A well-integrated approach to technology is the best one to take when investing in new products, materials and equipment.
The purchase price is only one consideration when incorporating a new technology into the practice. If you are thinking about moving to digital x-rays and accessing them from your current computer system, you may have to upgrade your system to handle graphic files. In addition, every new technology will require adjustments to your practice systems and retraining of your team. These issues will affect how easy and cost-effective it will be to implement the technology into your practice.
Many dentists become enamored of the latest technology only to stop using it shortly afterward. These expensive “toys” are often left to gather dust in a storage space. Before purchasing a technology, seek feedback from your staff and honestly evaluate if and how the technology will be used consistently.
Dentistry and technology go hand-in-hand. As you get ready for the new year, use these 10 questions as a quick checklist to help you make the best decision for your practice. The recovery will be here before you know it–be prepared when it arrives! DPM
Dental Practice Management readers are entitled to receive a 50% courtesy on a Levin Group Total Success Practice Potential Analysis(tm), an in-office analysis and report of your unique situation conducted by a Senior Practice Analyst. To schedule the next available appointment, call 888-973-0000 and mention “DPM” or email customerservice@levingroup.com with “DPM” in the subject line. For more information on Levin Group programs and seminars, go to: www.levingroupgp.com.
