How can smaller dental practices keep up with the technological pace set by larger practices or dental groups?
Written by Joan Fernandez, Published in Modern Dentist issue 3, 2018
For years, smaller dental practices, where the ownership, management and practice of the profession fell on the same person, have been the basis and almost the entire model
of dental care in most countries. However, a few years ago, the increase of larger dental groups, motivated by the desire to invest and with a legitimate economic objective, have
established the visual panorama of our cities. This has influenced the understanding of the dental practice as a profession but also the service and quality that we receive as patients.
Traditionally, the success of traditional practices has resided in four main factors:
- The proximity factor: practices that have been established for many years or that are in the same street, neighbourhood or city; close to our habitual residence. The accessibility and closeness is a determining aspect in our choice as patients. Nowadays, most smaller practices maintain and even exceed the level of technological investment made by a large investment group in each centre. Some large groups still continue to be more concerned about minimising costs and make their investments profitable, affecting their technological equipment and the quality and remuneration of professionals who work in the practice. Smaller practices should follow their investment process according to their needs and according to the technological innovations offered by the dental industry. However, the reason for their existence and the basis of their future will still be based on the four described factors. Regardless of its size, investment in technology is a necessity but an insufficient aspect to ensure the future and the effectiveness of the dental centre.
- The confidence factor: references from neighbours, family or friends treated in the same facilities, and even treated by the same professional. Undoubtedly, the testimonies given by the people around us towards one practice or another is a great stimulus in our decision process.
- The professional factor: the precision and the excellence in the quality of the treatment is perhaps the decisive aspect that motivates the patient choice and its continuity in a dental practice. This will also motivate our new role as authentic prescribers of said practices to neighbours, friends, family and workmates…
- The economic factor: the cost of the service can determine our practice choice and even the choice of the country to perform said treatment. Hence the emergence of dental groups that use
the price and a certainly aggressive marketing as the main claim to attract new “customers” to their centres.
Nowadays, most smaller practices maintain and even exceed the level of technological investment made by a large investment group in each centre. Some large groups still continue to be more concerned about minimising costs and make their investments profitable, affecting their technological equipment and the quality and remuneration of professionals who work in the practice.
Smaller practices should follow their investment process according to their needs and according to the technological innovations offered by the dental industry. However, the reason for their existence and the basis of their future will still be based on the four described factors. Regardless of its size, investment in technology is a necessity but an insufficient aspect to ensure the future and the effectiveness of the dental centre.
Author: Joan Fernandez, Sales Manager Ancar
Published: Modern Dentist – issue 3 – 2018
