Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stay up to date with dental equipment training

All dentists and dental hygienists undergo training before working in a practice. However, technology continues to change the way that all professions operate. It is crucial to stay up to date on the latest dental equipment uses and techniques. Sending employees to training seminars can be expensive and time-threatening to your business. Training videos are affordable and viewed in the office.

I recommend: Purchase training and dental videos on equipment use and new techniques. Buy these from Got Odds and Dental Video.

Use dental supplies to accommodate patient desires for cosmetic work

Dentistry practices were once a dreaded necessity for patients. People went to the dentist only when they had tooth troubles. However, many dental practices have evolved to handle cosmetically desired procedures as appearance is more important today than ever. Stock your office dental supply with products that patients want. These include whitening dental products, straightening dental instruments and natural crowns. Purchase these items from dental supply companies.

I recommend: Net 32 and Freedonia both offer cosmetic dental supplies. Check with these companies about buying items in bulk and free shipping to save on products that you use the most.

Service dental equipment on a regular basis

Dentist equipment such as X-ray machines and specialty dental chairs are expensive pieces of equipment. They will last longer and work more efficiently when dentists properly maintain them. Check and service your equipment often. Check used dental equipment before making the purchase. Dental equipment distributors can offer advice on the proper service schedule.

I recommend: Contact Burk Hart Dental for professional dental equipment service. Consider a handpiece maintenance machine offered by A DEC to keep your handpieces in good shape.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Proper dental equipment maintenance is helpful in making the most of dental supplies. However, keep in mind that safety and good hygiene practices are also important. Add sterilizing products to your list of dental supply orders. Clean equipment regularly and keep masks and gloves readily available for employees. Create a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved.

Guide to Dental Supplies

How to order everything you need for a dental office online

By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine which dental products you need in your office

List things you need in a dental office. This list may include dental instruments, gloves, X-ray equipment, dental hand pieces, anesthetics, impression material and more. Make a list before you log-on to avoid becoming too overwhelmed by the selection. Mind you, you'll still find dental equipment for sale that you didn't even think about. But, making a list will still help.

I recommend: Browse through the dental equipment and supplies that Smart Practice sells. There's a list along the left hand side of the homepage. Also, check out Tower Imaging's website. The dental supply company offers free samples of dental X-ray film.

Click your way to affordable dental supplies

The Internet offers business people so many options that suppliers have no choice but to compete for your business. Comparison shopping has never been easier. With the click of your mouse, you can find similar dental equipment at various companies. Choose the one with the best deal on dental products

I recommend: Nowak Dental Supplies has been around since 1944. They sell wholesale dental supplies. Click on their "Specials" tab to view current deals. Centrix is an innovative company that prides itself on making dentistry easier. On the company website, you'll find the contact information of Centrix dealers. Best Buy Dental Supplies offers great prices on items such as X-ray dental film and luting cement.

Go the refurbished route to save money

Reputable companies completely disassemble, repair, clean and overhaul used dental equipment so it's like new by the time it gets to you. They're quality supplies that will last a long time. Also look for manufacturers of dentist supplies. Eliminating the middle man will save your business money.

I recommend: Buy Dental Equipment.com sells new and refurbished dental equipment. Check out their video demonstration about how they overhaul used dental equipment. Almore International uses dealers to sell their dentist instruments but you can buy some through their website, too.

Make sure to buy infection control products to protect your business and patients

Dental offices are exposed to many hazardous pathogens that are transmitted through a patient's bloodstream. It's essential that every office has an effective infection control program. This includes procedural masks, headrest covers, patient bibs, jackets and self seal pouches. Don't forget to add in disposable cups, paper towels, sponges and paper towels.

I recommend: Gloves Plus stocks infection control items from prestigious manufacturers such as like Tidi and Defend. MedSupplier.com offers a vast array of autoclaves to sterilize all of your dental equipment.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get free shipping by ordering dental supplies in bulk. Many companies that sell dental supplies online offer perks for ordering more than a few hundred dollars worth.
• •  If you have questions, call dental supply companies and ask for a dental sales consultant. They can help you get what you need for your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider used dental equipment

Many pieces of large dental equipment last for years. For example, dentists use X-ray machines and patient exam chairs with hundreds of patients each year. Most dental offices have more than one of each of these pieces of equipment. Depending on its design and purpose, a new exam chair can cost anywhere from $600 to $5000. New x-ray machines cost from $3000 to $65,000. Most companies that sell new dental equipment also offers refurbished equipment. A refurbished dental chair can cost you about half the price of a new one. Buy a used x-ray machine for as little as $2000. More technical used X-ray machines cost around $20,000. While the risk of higher maintenance costs exists on used equipment, the initial cost is considerably lower and some dealers offer up to a one-year warranty on refurbished equipment.

I recommend: Buy Dental Equipment and Used Dental are dental equipment distributors that sell used products. The companies sell new and refurbished dentist equipment.

Buy consumable dental products in bulk

Due to good hygiene practices, dentists do not reuse many dental products. Therefore, dentists use a great deal of items such as picks, flosses, and brushes. Most dental supply companies offer discounts for purchasing these dental instruments and products in bulk. The more you buy, the more you save. Most companies will even allow free shipping on large orders. If you have storage space, buying in bulk is a great way to cut down your dental supply budget.

I recommend: IDS Dental and Direct Dental Supply offer dental supplies online. Purchase frequently used supplies in bulk.

Contact dental supply representatives about free samples

Major dental supply companies have representatives that push and advertise their products. Most of these companies give dentists free samples in hopes of making a sale. Contact a representative and ask about samples of brushes, flosses, pastes, picks, creams, and ointments. Many dental supply manufacturers give away samples as a way to advertise their products, and these samples can help your budget.

I recommend: Midway Dental and Center Spoke are both good places to start when looking for a dental supply representative.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When thinking about your dental supplies pricing and costs, consider your giveaway items as well as the items you use in your office. Most patients expect to leave with at least a new toothbrush. Major brand dental supply manufacturers will often give you samples or discounts to advertise their over-the-counter product.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Bur

A dental bur, in layman's terms, is the bit at the end of the dental drill. Dentists use these to hollow out cavities and check for other imperfections in the teeth by removing layers of the tooth in certain areas. These are available in a varied selection of sizes and styles to meet almost any purpose.

I recommend: Dentsply International lists the different types of burs.

Impression tray

An impression tray is a way for a dentist to get a mold of a patient's teeth. These are used for making retainers, dentures and other dental devices.

I recommend: The University of Birmingham provides information on various types of dental impression trays.

Laminate

A laminate is a plastic mouthpiece that is used as a retainer, bleaching tray or other dental device. Mouth guards, for example, can be used to stop damage to teeth caused by bruxism.

I recommend: Randell Prosthetics offers an explanation of various types of laminates.

Autoclave

An autoclave is an instrument used to sanitize reusable dental equipment. It uses a combination of steam and pressure to sanitize the equipment.

I recommend: KnowledgeRush.com offers information about autoclaves, including a brief history of them and an easy to understand explanation of how they work.

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a supply that is found in most dental offices. Dentists use it to relax patients. It is also a mild desensitizer.

I recommend: Dental Fear Central offers information about laughing gas. It includes information on how the gas works and some of the side effects.

Intra-oral camera

An intra-oral camera is a small camera that is used to explore the mouth. It is attached to a small screen so the patient can see what the dentist sees, which makes explaining procedures and diagnosis easier.

I recommend: Family Gentle Dental Care provides in-depth information about intra-oral cameras, including the benefits and what these devices can detect.