Why Is It Worth Buying Recertified & Used Dental Equipment?
Recertified & used dental equipment like dental X-Ray is great for any dental professional. So why exactly all dentists choose it over new equipment?
As the cost of new equipment continues to increase and the availability of new equipment decreases, refurbished and recertified equipment becomes much more appealing. Dental practices across the country are looking to the companies that provide these “new to you” products and are finding some incredible savings.
Let’s be honest, the terms refurbished, and recertified, have historically carried a negative connotation and usually described equipment that had been basically used up and then had a new coat of paint and some new upholstery. Todays previously owned equipment can be dramatically different.
With rapidly advancing technology, we are seeing practices trade up in a much shorter period of time. In many cases we are seeing equipment come back on the market after 5-6 years of use in an office. This is very different from what was seen historically when most practices held their equipment for well over 10 years.
With decreased usage before trade in, we are seeing equipment with 75-90% of their expected usage hitting the market as refurbished/reconditioned. For those doctors that are buying/building their first office, for those doctors that are looking to replace equipment that they may have had for the past 10-15 years, and for those doctors that are looking to freshen up their practice to eventually sell it, these machines are a great way to upgrade without having to pay new equipment prices.
If your practice is looking to upgrade without incurring debt equaling to your student loans, take a look at this growing alternative to the high price of buying new.
Buying Used Dental Equipment
With the COVID-19 pandemic still effecting inventories, many dentists have decided to consider buying used dental equipment. Buying new quality dental equipment is no longer an option for practices because of the number of supply chain disruptions to manufacturers worldwide. Many dental professionals are now resorting to purchasing used dental equipment to ensure their patients find excellent care.
The Benefits of Used Dental Equipment
There are a variety of benefits to investing in used dental equipment. Let’s look at the top reasons to buy used when it comes to your equipment:
1. Less Expensive
Used dental equipment can be up to 0% less expensive than purchasing new devices from the original manufacturer. This is especially true for manufacturers who have been forced to significantly increase their prices because of supply chain issues and COVID-19 related complications.
2. Quality Materials
Used devices can still be made up of the same materials that new equipment is created with, including durable titanium and stainless steel alloys or high-grade plastics capable of lasting years when maintained properly.
3. Decrease Purchasing Lead Times
Buying used dental equipment can save practices time when looking for tools to complete treatments on their patients. By purchasing devices from a reputable dealer, dental professionals can usually find the equipment they need in no time at all.
4. It is Efficient
Did you know that dental equipment bought from a reliable supplier is just as efficient as brand new equipment found on the market today? In fact, buying used dental equipment may have some advantages over newer devices, including customized options that are no longer available through the original manufacturer.
5. Increased Patient Confidence
Patients are more likely to feel comfortable with their care if the dentist’s office looks bright and professional. That older style panoramic over in the corning maybe a bit frightening to some patients. Reconditioned Equipment is usually less than 10 years old and mostly of the newer sleeker design you find in today’s new equipment. It gives your patients a less daunting piece of equipment to step up to
What to Look for in Used Dental Equipment
When purchasing used dental equipment, one should look first and foremost at the quality of the device. However, determining whether a piece of used dental equipment might be right for your practice is just as important as knowing what to look for when buying it.
Before you purchase used equipment, make sure to consider the following:
- Does the equipment still work?
Ensure that all pieces of used dental equipment are still functional and can run as they should without issue. If the equipment has been kept in a storage room or unused for some time, it might be best to look at other options.
- What is the history of the device?
While you might not know exactly what every past owner has done with the used dental equipment, you can get a sense of the device’s history by looking at its serial number and checking for certain signs. It would also help the company to ask the company you are buying it from a few questions: Has a sensor been replaced? What other services have been performed on the equipment? What was found during the reconditioning process? How many scans were taken with this unit? Was the last office a high, medium, or low volume office?
Used dental equipment with almost no signs of use or wear might be a better option than one that has been used multiple times without proper care and maintenance.
- What types of warranties are available for the equipment?
Before purchasing used dental equipment, make sure to inquire about what kind of warranties are offered if something were to go wrong with the device. If a warranty is not included or is too short for your liking, it might be time to look at other options.
- What Equipment Should I Buy Used?
From small, everyday pieces to larger purchases, there is a variety of dental equipment you should consider purchasing used:
CBCT/Panoramic/Ceph Units: Cephalometric and panoramic imaging equipment is another piece of dental equipment that you should consider buying used. Since these machines are extremely costly, many buyers prefer getting them through a used equipment contractor instead of the manufacturer.
Lights: Another top piece of dental equipment that many dentists and technicians consider buying used is their dental light. While most lights need to be serviced every three years, it is more cost-effective to purchase used and then get the machine serviced at your local maintenance center.
Handpieces: Many dental professionals prefer buying used handpieces over new ones because the difference in price is not significant. It is often more cost-effective for practices to purchase their equipment through a used equipment supplier.
Where to Find Safe Used Dental Equipment
Once you’ve determined what sort of equipment you’ll need, the next step is tracking down where to get it, and dentists have a variety of alternatives.
Manufacturers and Distributors:
Dental equipment manufacturers and distributors are excellent sources for finding quality used dental equipment. By purchasing from these types of dealers, you’ll be able to find a variety of devices that might fit perfectly into your office.
Used Equipment Marketplaces:
Many websites have popped up in recent years which allow dentists to buy and sell their own equipment online. Just make sure to vet the seller, get all of the details about the device, and consider that if something is wrong with the item, you might not be able to return it.
Dental Schools:
If you are looking for used dental equipment that will last several years, don’t be afraid to check in with your local dental school or college. Dentistry students are constantly upgrading their tools and might have graduated equipment for sale at an affordable price.
Other Dentists:
When looking for used dental equipment, don’t be afraid to ask your fellow dentists if they have any spare pieces. Many of the smaller devices might not get used as often and can help fill gaps in inventory.
Consider Buying Used Dentist Equipment Today
Dental equipment is a significant investment for any practice. Finding the right used dental equipment can help you save money and time while ensuring that your patients access the care they need.
By investing the time and resources into buying quality used devices, you can ensure that your patients have a great experience and save money in the long term.
With the many benefits and available resources, it’s never been easier to take advantage of used dental equipment. Consider your sourcing and discover how you can save money and provide exceptional care!
