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NEW EQUIPMENT

West Coast Dental Depot’s managing director Greg James, says when it comes to new equipment installation to consider the following:

Space and Layout: Assess the available space in the practice and ensure that it can accommodate the new equipment without overcrowding or impeding workflow. Work with designers or equipment suppliers to determine the best placement for each piece of equipment to optimise efficiency and accessibility.

Infrastructure Requirements: Consider the infrastructure needs of the new equipment, including electrical, plumbing, and IT requirements. Ensure that the practice's infrastructure can support the installation and operation of the new equipment and make any necessary upgrades or modifications as needed.

Training and Education: Invest in training and education for staff members to familiarise them with the operation and maintenance of the new equipment. Ensure that staff members receive comprehensive training from equipment suppliers or manufacturers to ensure safe and efficient use of the equipment.

Warranty and Support: Choose equipment from reputable manufacturers that offer reliable warranty coverage and ongoing support. Ensure that you have access to technical support and service technicians in case of equipment malfunctions or maintenance issues.

Budget and Financing: Consider the cost of purchasing and installing new equipment and factor it into your practice budget. Explore financing options, such as equipment leasing or financing programs, to help manage upfront costs and preserve cash flow.

Patient Experience: Consider how the new equipment will impact the patient experience and ensure that it enhances rather than detracts from patient comfort
and satisfaction. Choose equipment that is user-friendly, ergonomic, and designed for patient comfort to create a positive impression on patients.

Splurge or save?

When renovating a dental practice, Medifit Design & Construct Managing Director Sam Koranis advises never to compromise on cabinetry. "Cabinetry is often the most expensive part of a build, it is important to get it right" Koranis notes.

He emphasises the significance of quality cabinetry, explaining, "Cabinets become an extension of the dental chair and other equipment. Dentists require easy access to items on their benches and PCs, so ergonomic positioning is crucial."

While acknowledging the cost, Sam highlights the long-term benefits offered by Medifit’s approach. "Good cabinet design allows a dentist to have all the necessary equipment to hand, saving time and improving productivity. Our cabinets are also designed in a modular fashion, allowing them to be relocated if the dentist changes premises," he explains. "This flexibility ensures that our cabinetry can be reused, incorporating significant redundancy into our builds."

Finance advice

Ali Joyce, medical and dental finance specialist from Credabl, offers her top finance tips when renovating a practice:

Obtain some initial quotes and estimates on equipment and fit-out, so you can chat through the loan repayments with your finance consultant to ensure you are comfortable from a cashflow perspective. This will help you decide if you go for “laminate or marble”.
If your renovations involve an expansion which will lead to growth in patient fees, chat with your finance consultant about cashflow projections - this may assist in your borrowing capacity.
Fund your renovations via a drawdown facility, which allows you to make progressive payments to multiple suppliers.
Chat with your accountant regarding if you should finance or pay cash for your renovations, as there are pros and cons to both options.
We always recommend using a fit-out company who has done dental projects in the past to ensure a smooth build.
Try not to deviate from or make changes to your final fit-out plans, as this will lead to variation and increases to your building contract.

Top tips

Wayne Young, sales and project manager from West Coast Dental Depot, gives his top 3 tips for a dentist to help ensure a smooth renovation process:

Plan Thoroughly: Before starting any renovations, create a detailed plan outlining exactly what changes you want to make to your practice. Consider factors such as layout, equipment upgrades, aesthetic changes, and any necessary permits or regulations. Engage with architects, designers, and contractors early on to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the vision and timeline for the project.

Communicate Effectively:
Communication is key throughout the renovation process. Keep your staff, patients, and any other stakeholders informed about the upcoming changes, timelines, and any disruptions to the normal operation of the practice. Address any concerns or questions promptly to maintain transparency and trust.

Minimise Disruptions: Renovations can disrupt the normal flow of business, so it's essential to minimise disruptions as much as possible. Consider scheduling renovations during off-hours or weekends to minimise impact on patient appointments. Create temporary workspaces if needed to ensure that dental services can still be provided during the renovation process. Additionally, plan for contingencies in case
of unexpected delays or issues that may arise during the renovation.

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