Page 62 - The Dental Entrepreneur

The Dental Entrepreneur

Milling and Scanning

Milling has been around for many years and many of the early adopters abandoned their
machines pretty quickly. At a fairly significant financial hit. The technology was simply not
ready for prime time. The really weak link in the technology was in the scanning capabilities.
The fastest growing segment of technology in dentistry at this moment is in the scanning
capabilities. I think they are clinically acceptable and the system works much better now. As far
as using one in a start up, I don’t think the pricing is there quite yet. As this good scanning
technology improves and spreads I think the pricing will come down and it will become as
common as the digital x-ray. Milling to me is a time issue. With a milled crown taking 90 to 120
minutes,a highly trained assistant, and an experienced doc doing a traditional crown in 15
minutes by themselves, I am yet to be convinced (in spite of same day option) of the economic
advantage. Also, the milled crowns may be close to equivalent but not clinically superior. For
the startup I say pass.

Supplies and Minor Equipment

I think another area that may seem daunting is in selection of the supplies that you will use.
You probably figured out that the materials used in dental school may not be the best or most
efficient. That leaves you to asking around to the hand full of people you may know that are in
practice as to what they use. I have a better idea. Why not canvas a giant cross section of tens
of thousands of real world dentists as to all the supplies they use.

http://www.dentaltown.com/dentaltown/Survey.aspx

Discount Supplies

If you are an extremely thrifty and organized, you can save a significant amount on your
supplies by buying direct. It is basically a personal decision as to whether you want a regular
salesman to call on you from your local supplier or buy direct and save.
http://www.ddsdentalsupplies.com

Used Digital Pan, CBCT

I have found a great resource for late model digital equipment. Digital Renew provides late
model digital pans and cone beams at very attractive pricing. Because this technology has
improved at such light speed to better serve the needs of the oral implantologist, the upgrade
cycle on this equipment is fairly brisk. A steady supply of late model cone beams are coming
onto the market. Installation and warranties are included.

Digitalrenew.com

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